Rabbit Hole

by Jon Richter

A journalist focuses on an unsolved case for her true-crime podcast--and becomes fixated to the point of endangering her own life . . .

Elaine Napier, an investigative journalist who's been made redundant from her job, decides her next project will be to record a true-crime podcast. All she needs is a story.

When she stumbles upon the five-year-old cold case of Katrin, she begins an investigation that will quickly become a fixation. After an early breakthrough, Elaine's investigation leads her to Hannibal Heights, an apartment building that Katrin helped to design. The building is home to a sinister taxidermy museum, a host of intriguing residents, and more than its share of secrets. But despite the obvious danger, Elaine's obsession continues to grow.

As her investigation threatens to spiral out of control, she receives threats and police pressure to shut the broadcast down. But she's fallen into the rabbit hole--and she can't stop until the shocking truth is uncovered . . .

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2021

About the author

Jon Richter writes dark fiction in a variety of genres, including critically acclaimed crime thrillers, horror, science fiction and fantasy. His novels include gripping whodunnit mystery Rabbit Hole, psychological techno-thriller The Warden, the disturbing illustrated collection of short horror stories DARK FICTION, and his latest release, the fantasy epic Scarred.

He hails from the northwest of England but now lives in London with his (extremely patient) wife, and loves immersing himself in all things dark and sinister, whether that's books, films, music, video games or even board games – any way to tell a great story! As well as writing, he co-hosts two podcasts: the dark fiction podcast, Dark Natter, and the cyberpunk podcast, Hosts In The Shell, which you can find wherever you get your podcast fix.

He also develops video games and recently released his debut game, a comedy horror RPG called Reanimation Ltd, which you can download here: https://jonrichter.itch.io/reanimatio....

If you want to chat to him about any of this, you can find him on Twitter @richterwrites, Bluesky @jonrichter, or Instagram @jonrichterwrites. His website haunts the internet at www.jon-richter.com, and you can find his books available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/2OXXRVP.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Napier is an unemployed investigative journalist looking to put to put together a podcast about a cold case. She finds the case of a woman named Katrin who disappeared 5 years ago.

As she begins her investigation, she actually stumbles across new suspects, information that was never given to the police, and plenty of secrets.

She knows she's getting close to finding out what happened to Katrin when she begins getting personal threats and undergoing police pressure to shut her podcast down.

This is an extremely well written tale of a woman's obsession in trying to locate a missing woman. There are other stories running parallel with the podcast ... Napier's sister disappeared many years ago which was probably the reason why she went into the journalism business. Katrin was also an amateur fighter and in trying to connect with people she knew, Elaine also trains to be a fighter. These stories are told almost entirely in podcasts. The characters are all deftly drawn ... warts and all. The ending came as quite a surprise and totally unexpected.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Ami-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot/Narrative


This honestly was such an interesting thriller. Elaine Napier is an ex-journalist who now runs a true-crime podcast - The Frozen Files trying to solve the murder of Icelandic Katrin Gunnarsdottir. She works alongside Isacc who edits and does the technical side of the Podcast.


The plot was so interesting and realistic and I love that the story is told via The Frozen Files and through Elaine's own investigation with the help from a private investigator who develops into a friend. It is an action-packed, fascinating crime thriller with a unique unusual twist.


Characters


All the characters were sharp, distinctive and credible and very well written indeed.


I loved the character of Elaine Napier. She is one determined and feisty characters with her own past to bare, that of her missing/murdered sister, Sam plus her own personal demons as well. She is def


My favourite though has to be a private investigator. He seems like your typical private investigator those that instantly pop into your head, but this is also mentioned in a funny way throughout. He was employed by Katrin's father.


Isaac is so very sweet and is definitely a nice and helpful friend in Elaine's life.


Writing/Pacing


Jon's writing is remarkable and he has brought a modern and unique twist into this book in the form of the podcast and how Elaine's investigation is told in its entirety through recorded interviews, what clues she finds out etc.

Also told throughout the book are snapshots of her past and discovery of her big sister, Sam's murder.


The end of this book was a surprising belter. Each chapter surprises us with a new suspect and a few twists and turns plus each of them ends on a cliffhanger leaving us wanting more and more. It's definitely a page-turner and hooks you from beginning to end while also being steadily paced.


Setting/Theme


This was set in the UK but it has hints of Iceland. Themes include a missing girl, murder, private investigations, etc


Overall Thoughts


Rabbit Hole is an action-packed, fascinating crime thriller with a unique unusual twist. It's definitely a page-turner and hooks you from beginning to end. The end of this book was a surprising belter. All the characters were sharp, distinctive, credible and very well written indeed. This is set in the UK. Jon's writing is remarkable and The pacing was steady throughout.

More book reviews can be seen at www.readingthroughthepain.blog

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is the first book I've read by this author, it is currently 1.50am, and I've just finished reading it as I couldn't stop, I needed to know what happened.
I love the style this book is written in. It starts out as a podcast, looking back at very cold cases, specifically that of Katrin, a young Icelandic woman who went missing after returning from a visit to her home country.
In between podcast entries, Elaine Napier is the one looking into the case, along with her friend Isaac.
As the story progresses she manages to enlist the help of a private detective that was employed at the time by the girls father when the police trail went cold. He has a lot of the stereotypes of a private detective but in an ironic way, the author knows and makes a point of it, and i totally fell in love with his character.
As more clues come in and a little about the past of Elaine is revealed.
Then bam, the ending ties it all up in a way you couldn't possibly ever predict.
Its great to read the mix of modern technology being mixed with old fashioned detective work, and all actions have consequences. I would very highly recommend.

[Andy Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery

Quite enjoyed this cold case murder mystery. The splitting of the narrative between story, podcast and files from the narrator's past made the story stay fresh throughout.

My only gripe is that the ending felt a bit rushed

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel from Jon Richter! I loved the format of a podcast, interspersed with flashbacks from the protagonist's past and the narrative to keep the story moving. Elaine is an ex-journalist who decides to investigate a cold case from 5 years earlier about a young girl who disappeared without trace.

There are many suspects throughout, and you keep changing your mind as to what happened as more of the story is revealed. There are also a few surprises about Elaine's past! The characters are well developed and relatable - I love how Elaine is feisty and tenacious, determined to uncover the truth no matter what happens.

Well written, with a gripping plot and a typical, unexpected Jon Richter ending, this was a great read. Highly recommend.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read from Jon Richter.
Elaine decides to record a true crime podcast about the disappearance of a young woman, Katrin five years ago.
Elaine has an inquisitive mind and leaves no stone unturned when carrying out her investigations. She has Isaac on hand to help with the technical aspects of the podcast and makes a friend when she meets the private investigator who has already tried to solve this case.
Elaine really gets stuck in to the investigation and it’s great to follow her discoveries and feel part of it too.
Things don’t always go to plan and there’s a nasty incident following one of her podcasts which Elaine feels terrible about.
This is a fast paced thriller that has a cracking ending and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Compelling murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and skeletons in closets.
I liked the way every other chapter was Napier’s podcast. It jarred abut when she’d mention tone of voice (it being a podcast, you’d hear the person even if not in book form), but mostly I could imagine listening to it.
I also liked how Napier’s past was revealed.
Realistic characters. Great exploration of true crime and boxing. Another compelling book from the author.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me - I liked the interesting style the book is told mostly through podcast episodes. There’s quite a small cast of main characters so you feel them develop along with the story, the plot and pace was fantastic, the end frustrated me slightly but that’s just me and it makes sense in the context of the story. This won’t be the last book I read from this author 4.5*

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book yesterday and finished it fairly quickly.  The story was entertaining with so many little twists.
The characters had so much to offer and they had a lot of great points.  I think if I had it to do over again I would read it slower so that I could savor this book more.
The story wasn't overly fast paced but kept you on the tips of your toes throughout the book as you tried to figure out what has happened and who is responsible

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best stories I have read this year!! Elaine Napier is thirty eight and until recently worked for many years as an investigative journalist for The East London Chronicle newspaper until being made redundant. Struggling for something else to do with her skills, she decides to write and broadcast a true crime podcast called "The Frozen Files" after she learns of the story of how Icelandic property developer Katrin Gunnarsdottir disappeared from London without trace five years ago. She enlists IT help from old friend and former colleague Isaac Jones and sets about her investigation. Katrin had landed at Gatwick on a delayed flight and so missed her train. She took a taxi home after her boyfriend was unable to collect her and was simply never seen again. In a call to her boyfriend Katrin had mentioned a grubby overweight man seated next to her on the plane who showed far too much interest in her. She thought he was waiting for her outside the airport in a van with a strange logo on it. Dubbed as "The Coughing Man", this individual was never traced. The police, led by DI Demetriou, investigated but failed to discover what became of Katrin that night and the case went cold. This devastated both of Katrin's parents and also her boyfriend, all of whom now fully support Elaine in her quest for the truth. Elaine follows in Katrin's footsteps, even to the extent of taking part in the same white collar boxing match as Katrin did, and using the same trainer to get to know Katrin's story better. The book features a refreshingly original format of podcast broadcasts including a narrative from Elaine on how the interviews were conducted, mixed with chapters describing Elaine's movements and progress. There is also the occasional very intriguing extract from events in Elaine's past. In her podcasts, Elaine broadcasts interviews with Katrin's family and friends, and during the course of this she makes new discoveries. The DI from the original case appears completely uninterested and so Elaine sets about following up the new leads and clues herself. Her first clue takes her to a party at the apartment of boxing promoter Tony Weaver on the night of the disappearance, a man linked with Katrin and her trainer through her charity match. This was at Hannibal Heights, a big residential tower of apartments that Katrin had worked on, so named due to the inclusion of the legacy of a taxidermy museum from the former stately home on the site and now rather creepily nicknamed "The Animal House". It starts to appear that Katrin had another side to her and possibly a secret other life. Enlisting the help of Wim Hellendoorn, the Dutch PI employed by Katrin's parents who also never got further than the police did, the case opens up as different potential scenarios and suspects are thrown up. Proving to be a very thorough and talented detective, Elaine becomes further obsessed with solving the case but doesn't realise how much danger she is facing. And will finding the truth produce any winners at all? I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. There are some great characters in it who I warmed to immediately, such as Wim, and it had an excellent storyline with a surprise ending which I loved. With its very current podcast theme, this would work really well adapted for tv or as an audio book too. 5*

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepublication copy reviewed for Bloodhound Books

This was a surprise! I loved it, for lots of reasons.

Jon Richter manages to strike a perfect balance between a realistic plot and a high-voltage, adrenaline based crime novel. This is increasingly rare. The last few outings I’ve taken in this genre have been cinematic Jack Bauer style glamour-violence epics set in the twee of the English countryside. I’ve become increasingly tired of these, and find myself muttering, grumpy-old-woman style, ‘oh for God’s sake, really’ as they reach their car chasing, gun toting climaxes.

Rabbit Hole doesn’t do this. The Elephant and Castle setting and whitecollar boxing backdrop give it an air of realistic darkness that isn’t forced. Our protagonists Napier and Isaac are reliably outside the norm, but Richter manages to keep them from totally falling into the cliché of the dysfunctional lead investigators. The plot is clever, without being overly reliant on the now omnipresent ‘twist’. The premise of the young disappeared woman is simple and sadly quite believable. The writing style veers towards effective minimalism and suits both the setting and the pace of the action.

Using a podcast as a framework isn’t new anymore. Denise Mina and Matt Wesolowski are good examples of how this device becomes the story itself. However, in Rabbit Hole, Richer uses it as a tool to provide the backstories and updates without letting it dominate the framework of the story.

Bricks and Murder novels are a bit of niche sub-genre. In fact so niche I may have just invented the genre. Eva Dolan’s This is How it Ends was set during the regeneration of an estate and picks up on some strong redevelopment themes. Hopefully, this catches on. I am a surveyor, and I work for a residential developer, just like Katrin. I’ve worked for a few of the big names in my career, mostly in London. The description of Triton Homes rang so true I did some investigating. Lets just say it’s a small world indeed…………

[Lynn P · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book centres around Elaine Napier and her quest to find out what happened to a girl called Katrin several years ago. It's the first time I've read a book which uses a podcast as a mechanism to tell the story and as it's a fairly new medium I doubt there is another book like this.

We go back and forth like in a normal crime novel as Elaine tracks down witnesses and interviews people. She is also as background to Katrin training to fight in the ring and part of the story also involves her journey as she trains.

What is different is that every couple of chapters the book takes the form of the audio of the podcast as Elaine and her sound technician and sidekick Isaac broadcast what they've learnt so far. This is where it gets trickier than a usual crime novel where a private investigator may be nosing around. Elaine is putting this out there, all her ideas and theories - who knows who is listening....

The writing for me had an American feel to it and so every time somewhere like Leicester was mentioned I had to refocus that this was actually taking place in the UK. The format of the story certainly lends itself to you wanting to keep reading on and on - as I did. Little cliffhangers at the end of each chapter making you want more. Until that ending - wow!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story following a young investigative journalist Elaine Napier on her quest to solve an unsolved missing person’s case through her true crime podcast, The Frozen Files.

Most people are very forthcoming with their information throughout her investigation of the bubbly fun-loving girl that everyone appeared to love, so how could this healthy and well-loved person disappear without a trace? Elaine is thoughtful and meticulous throughout her investigation but as she fully immerses herself in the quest for the truth she feels as though her own safety has been compromised. With all the pieces slowly falling into place, the question is not, can Elaine finally solve this mystery but is she prepared to face the truth waiting for her?

I really felt as though I was hearing Elaine’s voice over her podcast and was right along for the ride while she attempted retrace the final moments of her subject Katrin. I would say to be patient throughout the book and allow the story to unfold as you will not be disappointed.

[Nerys Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine Napier is a journalist without a job so she starts a true crime podcast. With the help of her friend Isaac Jones she is looking into the disappearance of Katrin Gunnarsdottir, a young woman from Iceland. Katrin had recently been back to Iceland following a family bereavement. Her boyfriend couldn’t pick her up from the airport as his car was in the garage for a repair so got a “Ryde”. She was never seen again.
Elaine fully immerses herself in Katrin’s case even taking part in a charity boxing match like she did. Her investigation also brings back memories of the abduction and murder of her older sister Sam when Elaine was a teenager.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I like listening to true crime podcasts and this read very much like a real one. Plenty of twists and turns, plenty of viable theories as to what happened to Katrin and who was responsible.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and John Richter for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I am constantly reading crime fiction, it's refreshing to find something just a little bit different, and Rabbit Hole by Jon Richter did just that for me. Eighteen of the fifty chapters are written in the form of a transcript for a podcast, 'The Frozen Files,' a broadcast narrated by former investigative journalist Elaine Napier, who has taken on the cold case of a missing person called Katrin Gunnarsdottir, who disappeared five years earlier after returning home to London from a family visit to her native Iceland. Other chapters follow Napier in the third person, or retrospectively to an earlier time in Napier's life giving some back story to elucidate what has driven this young journalist to take on this convoluted investigation, that the police and private detectives have previously failed to unravel.
This is my first Jon Richter novel, and it certainly will not be my last.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Investigative reporter, Elaine, is hell bent on solving a case where a woman, Katrin, disappeared some five years previously. To do so she sets up a regular podcast to try and unleash some new evidence. Through her dogged determination new evidence is unveiled however she puts her own life under threat in the process. 

This is a very well written book and one that keeps you guessing all the way through as to where the investigation will take Elaine next. Each chapter throws up a new suspect and draws her deeper and deeper into danger. Jon Richter has done an excellent job in the writing of this book. There are strong characters and a very believable storyline. 

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC which I've reviewed voluntarily. 

[Isobel Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbit Hole is a gripping contemporary thriller set in London. When Elaine Napier tries to make a living podcasting, she decides to investigate a cold case, the murder of Katrin Gunnarsdottir, a young amateur boxer who disappeared five years ago. Elaine provides accounts of her investigations on “The Frozen Files”, which goes some way to explaining why she takes her pursuit of the truth to extremes on the experiential front, relocating to a flat near Katrin’s former home and taking up boxing with her personal trainer.

Jon Richter has penned a riveting and well-written thriller. Urban, gritty, with fabulous turns of phrase and narrative twists, there is much here to satisfy the noir thriller aficionado. The characterisation is terrific and the structure refreshing. Highly recommended.

[Kayleigh-Ånn Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of want to give it 3.5!
The premise itself was there, the writing wasn't excellent but gripping enough to keep the reader interested and page turning.
At one point it parodied a real life true crime story briefly, and that was quite uncomfortable and made me cringe as it felt like a direct rip off. Thankfully it was a flash in the pan in the story and it quickly moved away, back onto the previous story arc.
Elaine Napier is a promising character and we get a dual time line at points in the story which adds depth, though I would have enjoyed slightly more time spent on character development as there was potential in her there.
Overall an enjoyable story, some arcs hurried unnecessarily, wrapped up fairly quickly at the end with not a lot of explanation. 3 - 3.5/5

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm terrible when I become a fan of an authors work, because i tend to just read all their books. Jon Richter has become one of those authors this week. He has a unique way of writing crime. This time it was written through a podcast series and we witnessed a cold cast unravel. I've read many crime novels over the years, but I've never read a story like this one. However, I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to become hooked on the story. I continually wanted another piece of the puzzle, and I didn't guess the ending at all. A downside of having a writers brain sometimes makes you see the ending early on, but I didn't with this one, which I loved. A definite must read for any crime fan out there.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall 4.5*
An unemployed journalist decides to do a podcast on a woman Katrin, who mysteriously disappeared 5 years ago, so what could go wrong! The story leads us from the UK to Iceland however it is also a tale of the writer and broadcaster Elaine, though generally known as Napier, and the death of her older sister a few years before at the hands of a killer, so she has great empathy with Katrin's parents. It is a well written, taut story that does make you consider what you would do and feel given a similar situation. The ending is just seismic and at the end you may just realise that a massive clue was given mid tale!!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine starts recording a podcast about the disappearance 5 years ago of Katrin. Katrin was on her way back to her flat in London after returning from her homeland, Iceland. She got a taxi back to her flat and then the trail ran cold.

Elaine gradually finds clues with the help of her best friend Isaac and Wim, an ex private detective.

As the story progresses we also find out more about Elaine’s past.

This is an intriguing and different kind of thriller. It is well written with interesting characters, both lovable and detestable! A steady paced and enjoyable read with an ending that I did not see coming!

This is my first book by the author and it won’t be my last.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is my first book by this author and I look forward in reading more from him. This is a well written story that has developed characters that made the story engaging. I was pulled in to this story right from the beginning and it kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the twists and turns that it brought that kept me wondering what was next to happen. This is a story about a cold case that is investigated but soon turns into an obsession to solve. Just how far will it go to solve it? I highly recommend this book.

[Elisabeth Soane · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Elaine is made redundant she decides to do a true podcast investigating the unsolved disappearance of A young woman called Katrin. She is supported by her friend Isaac and as they investigate more questions arise.
I enjoyed the story and the chapters alternated between the investigation and podcast episodes.
There was an interesting range of characters all with a motive and no clear evidence to whether Katrin is alive or dead.
It also shows the impact of the investigation when someone is accused but not guilty.
Enjoyable read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love thrillers, but this one was just pretty good. Elaine Napier is the main character, and it starts with her beginning a true crime podcast to solve a cold case with the help of her friend Isaac. However, she has a past, and this case is not easily solved. It had me guessing who the killer was til the end, which was quite a surprising end.

All great potential, and it was good, but the format kinda drove me a little bit nuts. A podcast in written form. Oh, well. It was still a good read. And fast with the shorter length of the book.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting concept to use a podcast within a book. Seeing the information from both a listener-based viewpoint and the deeper perspective of the investigator it was concerning to see how quickly a witch hunt could start without any intention on the part of the host. The investigation stayed quite close to the surface through the first half leading to a surprisingly dark and emotional ending which could easily leave you questioning what true justice is.

[Jason W. Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A realistic look at crime in the information age.

This book brings to mind the case of Elisa Lam and the internet assisted hunt for the Boston Marathon bomber. Scraps and bits of information stretched out to fit a preconceived ending. The story flows well and the characters are interesting. I'd like to spend more time with some of them, but just like a real life crime story I know I won't get the chance.

[Steph Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author at a book event in Stoke. We chatted for a while and what a lovely bloke he was. Finding new-to-me authors is such a joy at these kind of events. When you like the person it is the best form of promotion for their book. I picked up Rabbit Hole and I'm so glad I did. It's a fabulous modern crime story, very interesting and impossible to put down. Thank you Dave, so good to meet you.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another day, another podcast missing girl book. There's a whole heap of them on the market right now, some good, some ugly. This is one of the genuinely good ones. Short, sharp, fast moving, yet with characterisations that leap off the page at you and a mystery that is the core of the narrative.

This is one of those novels where they actually use the podcast well; it doesn't just re-iterate what we've already seen and it isn't full of fluff. It's a genuinely good addition to the novel and utilised well. And the actual mystery is teased out through it and the main novel, with both complementing the other.

I also really appreciated the characterisations here. From Elaine Napier, running head into danger on more than one front to all the characters she collects on the way. Napier is determined and feisty, drawn to the case because of her own history. She's often tempered by friends and they are equally well developed.

All in all, an excellent mystery thriller. With danger, red herrings and an unexpected ending as well as excellent characterisations and a twisty plot, this caught me and kept me throughout.

[Alan Gorevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

RABBIT HOLE follows out-of-work journalist Elaine Napier as she puts together a true-crime podcast about the disappearance of a woman five years earlier.

I've read other mystery novels about cold case investigations, but none were as pacy as this. The book sucked me in at the beginning and didn't let go till the end. A brilliant and compelling mystery thriller with a vivid cast of characters.

[Emma Watkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime novel

A good crime novel with A few threads Thames upwards the end. The main character is relatable and the use of podcasts does touch upon the complexities of some public interest in true crime and the impact 'vigilante' work can have-like ripples in a pool.