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Eva Barnes #2
Don't Come Looking
A missing man. A desperate friend. A circle of deceit.
Would you refuse your friend’s desperate plea for help?
When Eva’s close friend Marc disappears, his wife Sasha is distraught, and Eva is baffled. Sasha and Marc were happy, the perfect couple, or so everybody thought.
Sasha begs Eva to help her find Marc. But he has appeared at the police station where Eva works and has made a statement. It’s on record – when his family report him missing, Marc doesn’t want to be found.
As each day passes, the mystery deepens. What was Marc up to? What made him do the things he did in the months leading up to his disappearance? Things so out of character, Eva struggles to tell Sasha about them… and then a disturbing discovery changes everything.
A psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
Would you refuse your friend’s desperate plea for help?
When Eva’s close friend Marc disappears, his wife Sasha is distraught, and Eva is baffled. Sasha and Marc were happy, the perfect couple, or so everybody thought.
Sasha begs Eva to help her find Marc. But he has appeared at the police station where Eva works and has made a statement. It’s on record – when his family report him missing, Marc doesn’t want to be found.
As each day passes, the mystery deepens. What was Marc up to? What made him do the things he did in the months leading up to his disappearance? Things so out of character, Eva struggles to tell Sasha about them… and then a disturbing discovery changes everything.
A psychological thriller full of twists and turns.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2021
368 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Campbell
15 books708 followersAJ Campbell is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author, who loves throwing characters into unbelievable situations and figuring it out from there. The result is psychological suspense novels full of twists, turns, and torment, with gasp-worthy endings. An avid hiker, AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a Netflix junkie, a theatre tragic, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast.
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
Connect with AJ here:
www.ajcampbellauthor.com
www.facebook.com/AJCampbellauthor
www.instagram.com/ajcampbellauthor/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 5, 2022
Eva, a police detective, is shocked to discover one of her closest friends, Marc, has gone missing. Even more shocking is before he left, he went to the police department to let them know he was leaving willingly of his own accord and did not wish to be found. By all appearances he was happily married with a wonderful life. So, what happened? His distraught wife Sasha, asks Eva for help, and Eva does so even though it may jeopardize her career.
As with most mysteries, I’ll be light on plot in this review as it’s fun to discover the facts on your own. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read book #1, and this one works well as a standalone. (In fact, the first book didn't garner terrific reviews, but I think the author hit her stride with this one.)
The author excels in her characterizations while keeping the plot clipping along at a brisk pace. I particularly liked Eva and the sense of humor she displayed. She and her husband are the parents of two young children, and I loved the dynamic in their relationship. Best, of all, it never detracted from the mystery/investigation. It was refreshing to read about a couple who love each other and have a healthy relationship, but who, like most, struggle with the demands of a family and job.
A second POV was introduced midway through, which gave the reader insight into what was going on, and worked quite well. There’s also some intrigue surrounding the neighbors which added to the mystery.
This was a solid mystery with engaging characters, excellent writing, and a story that tied up nicely. I loved the characters and I can’t wait to read more about Eve in the next book. I absolutely loved the ending 💕
As with most mysteries, I’ll be light on plot in this review as it’s fun to discover the facts on your own. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read book #1, and this one works well as a standalone. (In fact, the first book didn't garner terrific reviews, but I think the author hit her stride with this one.)
The author excels in her characterizations while keeping the plot clipping along at a brisk pace. I particularly liked Eva and the sense of humor she displayed. She and her husband are the parents of two young children, and I loved the dynamic in their relationship. Best, of all, it never detracted from the mystery/investigation. It was refreshing to read about a couple who love each other and have a healthy relationship, but who, like most, struggle with the demands of a family and job.
A second POV was introduced midway through, which gave the reader insight into what was going on, and worked quite well. There’s also some intrigue surrounding the neighbors which added to the mystery.
This was a solid mystery with engaging characters, excellent writing, and a story that tied up nicely. I loved the characters and I can’t wait to read more about Eve in the next book. I absolutely loved the ending 💕
January 29, 2023
I started right on the second book in the series, and immediately liked the detective and the case she starts working on. Eva comes across as a hard-working woman with too much to do and a lot of guilt coloring her choices. The book would have been good even without the missing husband, but off course the mystery of his disappearance added suspense. A satisfying overall read
May 11, 2021
How would you feel if out of nowhere your husband went missing? Now what if you found out from one of your best friends that he stopped in the police station beforehand to tell them if someone reports him missing, he doesn’t want to be found. I know I would be thinking, “Um…excuse me? No, no this can’t be happening.”
This is exactly how Sasha feels when her husband Marc goes missing. Their family was healthy, their marriage was strong and they were surrounded by good friends and neighbors. The only thing shaky was their finances as Marc lost his job and had been unsuccessfully looking for a replacement. But he had been working on an idea that could be really successful. So begins the mystery of Marc. Why would he leave? Why would he give no indication that he wanted to leave? Where did he go? Was he safe?
Luckily for Sasha, her good friend is Eva Barnes, a huge-hearted detective always ready to help when needed. By agreeing to help Sasha, she is putting her reputation and her job on the line since her boss has already told her she is not to use resources or time on a matter that is non-existent in the eyes of the police. The story continues through her search for answers. There is a wonderful cast of characters including Eva’s co-workers, Sasha’s neighbors and both of their respective families. I loved that I was suspicious of many of the characters – even the ones I liked. I worried that maybe they had done something out of character. The author did a wonderful job of character development. Especially with Sasha and her kids and how each one of them was handling the disappearance of Marc in their own way. I felt their anguish, doubt and questions.
Roughly halfway through the book, the reader begins to hear from the guilty party’s voice and that was a great twist. I really enjoy reading a story through both sets of eyes, innocent and guilty. Eva, the main character, is a super-likeable and relatable person. She is a working mother who doubts herself as everyone in her position does. She is smart, works hard for her family is great at her job. Her husband, Jim, is an equally likeable character. He is battling with some health issues from a previous accident, but he never lets them define him. They have a lovely and supportive relationship, which can’t be said about several of the other relationships in this story. Twisty and secretive relationships always make for great reading too! Once you thought you had a character figured out, another chink was thrown in. A psychological thriller with a great plot, relatable characters and a very satisfying ending.
The book is set in London, and being an American who yearns for a British accent, I reveled in the British words and phrases found throughout the book. I felt like I was a Londoner who needed some crisps, and even found myself reading with an accent sometimes. I want to be Eva’s friend and neighbor. Although this is a stand alone read, the author’s previous book, Leave Well Alone, also showcases Eva as the main character. I am definitely looking forward to more Eva books in the future!
Highly recommend.
This is exactly how Sasha feels when her husband Marc goes missing. Their family was healthy, their marriage was strong and they were surrounded by good friends and neighbors. The only thing shaky was their finances as Marc lost his job and had been unsuccessfully looking for a replacement. But he had been working on an idea that could be really successful. So begins the mystery of Marc. Why would he leave? Why would he give no indication that he wanted to leave? Where did he go? Was he safe?
Luckily for Sasha, her good friend is Eva Barnes, a huge-hearted detective always ready to help when needed. By agreeing to help Sasha, she is putting her reputation and her job on the line since her boss has already told her she is not to use resources or time on a matter that is non-existent in the eyes of the police. The story continues through her search for answers. There is a wonderful cast of characters including Eva’s co-workers, Sasha’s neighbors and both of their respective families. I loved that I was suspicious of many of the characters – even the ones I liked. I worried that maybe they had done something out of character. The author did a wonderful job of character development. Especially with Sasha and her kids and how each one of them was handling the disappearance of Marc in their own way. I felt their anguish, doubt and questions.
Roughly halfway through the book, the reader begins to hear from the guilty party’s voice and that was a great twist. I really enjoy reading a story through both sets of eyes, innocent and guilty. Eva, the main character, is a super-likeable and relatable person. She is a working mother who doubts herself as everyone in her position does. She is smart, works hard for her family is great at her job. Her husband, Jim, is an equally likeable character. He is battling with some health issues from a previous accident, but he never lets them define him. They have a lovely and supportive relationship, which can’t be said about several of the other relationships in this story. Twisty and secretive relationships always make for great reading too! Once you thought you had a character figured out, another chink was thrown in. A psychological thriller with a great plot, relatable characters and a very satisfying ending.
The book is set in London, and being an American who yearns for a British accent, I reveled in the British words and phrases found throughout the book. I felt like I was a Londoner who needed some crisps, and even found myself reading with an accent sometimes. I want to be Eva’s friend and neighbor. Although this is a stand alone read, the author’s previous book, Leave Well Alone, also showcases Eva as the main character. I am definitely looking forward to more Eva books in the future!
Highly recommend.
April 12, 2022
I have a new girl crush on Detective Eva Barnes.
Eva Barnes is the protagonist in AJ Campbell's "Don't Come Looking", Book #2 in the author's Eva Barnes series.
Even though this is the second book in a series, it's also a standalone thriller.
When Eva Barnes' friend's husband goes missing, Eva agrees to use all of her resources to help find him, even though this violates the police force's Code of Conduct.
The book was fast-paced and engaging, with many red herrings, twists, and turns.
Characterizations were strong throughout the entire book.
I especially connected with the character of Eva Barnes, a highly skilled detective and working mom from humble beginnings. I particularly enjoyed Eva Barnes' strong work ethic and her fabulous sense of humor.
Halfway through the book, the author introduces the POV of the person responsible for Eva Barnes' friend's husband's disappearance.
The alternation of "good-guy" POVs with "bad guy" POVs worked well with this plotline.
I listened to the audiobook and the full-cast narration was superb.
This is my first book by author AJ Campbell and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
4.5 stars
Eva Barnes is the protagonist in AJ Campbell's "Don't Come Looking", Book #2 in the author's Eva Barnes series.
Even though this is the second book in a series, it's also a standalone thriller.
When Eva Barnes' friend's husband goes missing, Eva agrees to use all of her resources to help find him, even though this violates the police force's Code of Conduct.
The book was fast-paced and engaging, with many red herrings, twists, and turns.
Characterizations were strong throughout the entire book.
I especially connected with the character of Eva Barnes, a highly skilled detective and working mom from humble beginnings. I particularly enjoyed Eva Barnes' strong work ethic and her fabulous sense of humor.
Halfway through the book, the author introduces the POV of the person responsible for Eva Barnes' friend's husband's disappearance.
The alternation of "good-guy" POVs with "bad guy" POVs worked well with this plotline.
I listened to the audiobook and the full-cast narration was superb.
This is my first book by author AJ Campbell and I look forward to listening to future titles by this talented author.
4.5 stars
April 11, 2023
Oh my goodness! This was such a good thriller!
I normally read series in order but didn’t realise this was book two until I added it to my currently reading shelf which was nearly at the end.
This book had me gripped right from the start. It’s full of some great characters which were so well written as each felt separate from the others which is hard to do in thrillers but for me is an important part of the books storyline as keeps me hooked if I want to know more about each of them.
There’s nothing better than a revenge seeking antagonist!
Everything about this I loved but I have so much to say about it but don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away spoilers! It’s fabulous!
This is also my favourite narrator of audio books. She does such a great job delivering audio storylines with various intonation for the various characters which really helps to separate them.
I will be going back to read to book one as really enjoyed this one.
I normally read series in order but didn’t realise this was book two until I added it to my currently reading shelf which was nearly at the end.
This book had me gripped right from the start. It’s full of some great characters which were so well written as each felt separate from the others which is hard to do in thrillers but for me is an important part of the books storyline as keeps me hooked if I want to know more about each of them.
There’s nothing better than a revenge seeking antagonist!
Everything about this I loved but I have so much to say about it but don’t want to say too much for fear of giving away spoilers! It’s fabulous!
This is also my favourite narrator of audio books. She does such a great job delivering audio storylines with various intonation for the various characters which really helps to separate them.
I will be going back to read to book one as really enjoyed this one.
April 8, 2021
Having read the first novel in this series, I was thrilled to have been contacted about being an ARC reader for this follow-up, and the sequel did not disappoint!
I find it difficult to give my full appreciation for thrillers, seeing how quite a bit of my thought process contains spoilers, but I will say that the characters are realistic and enjoyable, and there's humor and pleasant family fluff sprinkled throughout the drama and intrigue. I also loved that even though the villain was introduced a little beyond the halfway point, I was still left guessing just what they had in mind/were trying to achieve.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this sequel, and found it even more engrossing than the prior novel. Thank you to A.J. Campbell for allowing me to be an ARC reader! I have freely left my unbiased review.
I find it difficult to give my full appreciation for thrillers, seeing how quite a bit of my thought process contains spoilers, but I will say that the characters are realistic and enjoyable, and there's humor and pleasant family fluff sprinkled throughout the drama and intrigue. I also loved that even though the villain was introduced a little beyond the halfway point, I was still left guessing just what they had in mind/were trying to achieve.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this sequel, and found it even more engrossing than the prior novel. Thank you to A.J. Campbell for allowing me to be an ARC reader! I have freely left my unbiased review.
March 2, 2023
While this book can certainly stand alone, you would learn more about the protagonist, Eva Barnes, from the debut novel Leave Well Alone. In this novel, Eva is now a cop who has been thrown into the middle of the mysterious disappearance of her good friend’s husband. What makes it even more interesting is that the husband has gone to the police station requesting for no one to investigate him leaving without a trace. In the search for answers, we are introduced to the many unsavory neighbors who may or may not have answers. The ending wraps up in a satisfying conclusion with all loose ends tied up. I like this author for her unique plots. Her subsequent books are even better!
October 10, 2021
With interesting, believable characters and plot twists aplenty, this was one of those books I couldn't put down. I've read the first Eva Barnes book, but this could easily be read as a stand-alone too. A great read and thoroughly recommended!
March 15, 2021
I read A J Campbell's debut novel, Leave Well Alone, after winning a copy on The Paperback Writers group on Facebook. I was completely blown away by the excellent writing style, so accomplished for a first novel.
Fortunately, I didn't have long to wait for the second novel as I was privileged to be given an ARC of Don't Come Looking.
I was not disappointed by this follow on book, telling Eva's story eight years on, where she is now a detective living in London with her husband and two children.
This story of a missing man, Marc, who has made it quite clear to the police that he has no wish to be found is a challenge for Eva. It is clear that she has no official right to be involved in this case but that is easier said than done as Marc is married to one of her best friends.
This book quickly captured my interest, there were so many interesting characters in the story who were not quite as they seemed. Added to that I found myself on edge, worried that Eva,who felt like an old friend, was going to jeopordise her career by becoming far too involved with the drama that was playing out in the O'Sullivan household.
As the story unfolds in the second part of the book, there are many twists and turns to come and I was gripped to the end. What a powerful story, I can't wait for the next one from A J Campbell.
Fortunately, I didn't have long to wait for the second novel as I was privileged to be given an ARC of Don't Come Looking.
I was not disappointed by this follow on book, telling Eva's story eight years on, where she is now a detective living in London with her husband and two children.
This story of a missing man, Marc, who has made it quite clear to the police that he has no wish to be found is a challenge for Eva. It is clear that she has no official right to be involved in this case but that is easier said than done as Marc is married to one of her best friends.
This book quickly captured my interest, there were so many interesting characters in the story who were not quite as they seemed. Added to that I found myself on edge, worried that Eva,who felt like an old friend, was going to jeopordise her career by becoming far too involved with the drama that was playing out in the O'Sullivan household.
As the story unfolds in the second part of the book, there are many twists and turns to come and I was gripped to the end. What a powerful story, I can't wait for the next one from A J Campbell.
May 2, 2021
What happen with Marc? Why he's gone?
Wow! What a fantastic read!!!!
First at all my greetings to Amanda for allowing me to appreciate your excellent work (again!)
I read A J Campbell's debut novel, Leave Well Alone. This second book become really so impressive as the first.
So intriguing. There are so many suspense, secrets, and mystery that keeps you completely enthralled on each chapter! Grabs the reader right from the start to the end. Excellent writing, storyline and fantastic characters (all of then)!
To me, one of the main characteristics was the fluidity of the plot, This is extremely important to hold my attention.
Recommend it with no doubt!
p.s I'll answer those (10) questions from readers club soon as i can 😉
May 15, 2021
Eva Barnes is one of the most relatable main characters - she is a working mom struggling to balance her professional and personal life. And while she is a police officer, this wasn’t what I would consider a police procedural as she was helping a friend rather than working on an official case for the majority of the book. Let me just tell you that I absolutely knew what was going to happen... until part 2 started and showed me exactly how wrong I was. I know what you’re thinking, if I knew I was wrong halfway what was left in the book? Ha ha ha, so much my friend. There were many twists and turns remaining while managing to stay believable! This was a very suspenseful book that I really enjoyed. It was book two in the series, but can be read as a standalone. 4/5⭐️
Thank you to the author @ajcam bellauthor for gifting me a copy of this book. Don’t Come Looking is available now!
Thank you to the author @ajcam bellauthor for gifting me a copy of this book. Don’t Come Looking is available now!
October 3, 2021
My Review Of
DON’T COME LOOKING
By Author, AJ Campbell
Published byCode Grey Publishing
On Sale: 4/17/21
*****
This was another great Eva Barnes thriller that grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go until your eyes are tired but you can’t stop reading until the last page. The Author’s ability to consume you in suspense and shroud you in mystery so skillfully is a talent she has come known for. This book is in follow up to “LEAVE WELL ALONE” but is just as great if read as a stand alone. Expect a few twists to the plot that will have you at the edge of your seat and holding on to every breath until the unforgettable conclusion.
DON’T COME LOOKING
By Author, AJ Campbell
Published byCode Grey Publishing
On Sale: 4/17/21
*****
This was another great Eva Barnes thriller that grabs your attention and doesn’t let it go until your eyes are tired but you can’t stop reading until the last page. The Author’s ability to consume you in suspense and shroud you in mystery so skillfully is a talent she has come known for. This book is in follow up to “LEAVE WELL ALONE” but is just as great if read as a stand alone. Expect a few twists to the plot that will have you at the edge of your seat and holding on to every breath until the unforgettable conclusion.
May 22, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and I'm so pleased I did as what a superb novel! I loved it! A real page turner that I thoroughly recommend. Having really enjoyed AJ Campbell's debut novel Leave Well Alone I was eagerly awaiting this sequel and it did not disappoint. Numerous twists and turns it kept me gripped right to the end. I read in two days as I could not put it down. Brilliant!
April 1, 2021
What began as one mystery became an avalanche of confusion. I began to notice Luke a bit more during my journey, however I became enmeshed with all of Eva's observations and gut feelings, as well as the disruption of her own family life.
This was a truly disturbing walk into the depths of mental illness. I really didn't know what to expect so I just tried to follow the detective on her path to solve the mystery.
Well done and thank you
This was a truly disturbing walk into the depths of mental illness. I really didn't know what to expect so I just tried to follow the detective on her path to solve the mystery.
Well done and thank you
April 3, 2021
This Author came out of nowhere and rocked the world with her first ever psychological thriller. It earnt her many well deserved accolades, and rightly so.
Wow, what a fantastic read! If you have read AJ Campbell's first ever, and amazing psychogical thriller - Leave Well Alone, then you will definitely not want to miss Don't Come Looking. I was truly gripped from the very first page. However, Don"t Come Looking is just as good read as a stand-alone novel.
Eva and Jim are now happily married with two beautiful children and are living in London, where Eva now has a career as a Detective. Since a serious road traffic accident left Jim with injuries that required continued physiotherapy and confined him to wheelchair, he has been forced to leave his police career and is now working from home as an author.
The story revolves around Eva's best friend's husband, Marc, who suddenly, and inexplicably, leaves his family and has made a statement to the local the police that he has left his family of his own accord and does not, therefore, wish to be considered as a missing person. He informs them that he does not wish to be found.
Marc's disappearance is totally out of character. His wife and children are devastated and confused. The police have informed them that he does not wish to be found but his wife does not believe he would have walked out on his family just before his son's eighteenth birthday and without so much as a goodbye or explanation.
Eva's friend has asked her for help with finding Marc but this would jeopardise Eva's job and almost certainly cause her to lose her job.
Will Eva help her friend and risk her career in the Force?
Is Marc having an affair, suffering from depression, involved in something illegal, or is there something else at play?
Will Eva help her friend and risk losing her career or even end up in prison as a result?
As the story very cleverly unfolds, it appears there is much more behind Marc's disappearance and the ending is really unexpected, with a shocking twist.
An ingenious and not to be missed second book from this extremely talented new Author.
I raced through the pages, gripped by the twists and turns as one thing lead to several more and the plot thickened.
Such a suspenseful and unique psychological thriller. This talented Author is certainly one to watch.
Wow, what a fantastic read! If you have read AJ Campbell's first ever, and amazing psychogical thriller - Leave Well Alone, then you will definitely not want to miss Don't Come Looking. I was truly gripped from the very first page. However, Don"t Come Looking is just as good read as a stand-alone novel.
Eva and Jim are now happily married with two beautiful children and are living in London, where Eva now has a career as a Detective. Since a serious road traffic accident left Jim with injuries that required continued physiotherapy and confined him to wheelchair, he has been forced to leave his police career and is now working from home as an author.
The story revolves around Eva's best friend's husband, Marc, who suddenly, and inexplicably, leaves his family and has made a statement to the local the police that he has left his family of his own accord and does not, therefore, wish to be considered as a missing person. He informs them that he does not wish to be found.
Marc's disappearance is totally out of character. His wife and children are devastated and confused. The police have informed them that he does not wish to be found but his wife does not believe he would have walked out on his family just before his son's eighteenth birthday and without so much as a goodbye or explanation.
Eva's friend has asked her for help with finding Marc but this would jeopardise Eva's job and almost certainly cause her to lose her job.
Will Eva help her friend and risk her career in the Force?
Is Marc having an affair, suffering from depression, involved in something illegal, or is there something else at play?
Will Eva help her friend and risk losing her career or even end up in prison as a result?
As the story very cleverly unfolds, it appears there is much more behind Marc's disappearance and the ending is really unexpected, with a shocking twist.
An ingenious and not to be missed second book from this extremely talented new Author.
I raced through the pages, gripped by the twists and turns as one thing lead to several more and the plot thickened.
Such a suspenseful and unique psychological thriller. This talented Author is certainly one to watch.
Read
December 31, 2021 If you read ‘Leave Well Alone’ - AJ Campbell’s first novel-,before reading Don’t Come Looking (and you can read the two entirely separately) you are hanging on something of a cliff waiting to see what has happened to Eva and more particularly to Jim.
Don’t Come Looking opens with a man rushing into a Police Station, telling officers that if anyone reports him missing they are not to ‘come looking’,. He dashes out pursued by Eva Barnes, who has recognised her close friend and neighbour, Marc.
It is 8 years since the events of Leave Well Alone and Eva Barnes is now a Detective Constable, married and Mother of two rather gorgeous children. Marc’s wife, Sasha, distraught at the disappearance of her husband, asks Eva to use her skills to help find Marc. Eva is conflicted between her professional role and loyalty to her friend, but finds herself increasingly drawn in. Marc has completely disappeared, his laptop is wiped, there’s strange activity on his bank account. Conversations with neighbours reveal arguments, money exchanges, and news of his depression. SO many missed signs..what has been going on, and where has Marc gone to?
I loved this book firstly because I was rather delighted to be reunited with Eva who is a wonderful study in character development. Eva says ‘my childhood was riddled with deceitful bastards and ever since, I have wanted to contribute to ridding the world of them..’ and she clearly loves her job. Her love for her children is palpable as is her frenetic multi-tasking as Mother, wife, professional and now support to Sasha. There are some lovely comic moments here amid the palpable tension of a man missing, possibly suicidal, who has left no trace.
The unfolding of events leading to Marc’s disappearance is beautifully paced, with many twists and many secrets uncovered. Increasingly each and every neighbour seems to have some involvement. This book is very hard to put down. I love that it felt like a very plausible domestic thriller. I think A.J Campbell’s writing goes from strength to strength and I cannot wait for number 3!
Don’t Come Looking opens with a man rushing into a Police Station, telling officers that if anyone reports him missing they are not to ‘come looking’,. He dashes out pursued by Eva Barnes, who has recognised her close friend and neighbour, Marc.
It is 8 years since the events of Leave Well Alone and Eva Barnes is now a Detective Constable, married and Mother of two rather gorgeous children. Marc’s wife, Sasha, distraught at the disappearance of her husband, asks Eva to use her skills to help find Marc. Eva is conflicted between her professional role and loyalty to her friend, but finds herself increasingly drawn in. Marc has completely disappeared, his laptop is wiped, there’s strange activity on his bank account. Conversations with neighbours reveal arguments, money exchanges, and news of his depression. SO many missed signs..what has been going on, and where has Marc gone to?
I loved this book firstly because I was rather delighted to be reunited with Eva who is a wonderful study in character development. Eva says ‘my childhood was riddled with deceitful bastards and ever since, I have wanted to contribute to ridding the world of them..’ and she clearly loves her job. Her love for her children is palpable as is her frenetic multi-tasking as Mother, wife, professional and now support to Sasha. There are some lovely comic moments here amid the palpable tension of a man missing, possibly suicidal, who has left no trace.
The unfolding of events leading to Marc’s disappearance is beautifully paced, with many twists and many secrets uncovered. Increasingly each and every neighbour seems to have some involvement. This book is very hard to put down. I love that it felt like a very plausible domestic thriller. I think A.J Campbell’s writing goes from strength to strength and I cannot wait for number 3!
Want to read
November 15, 2022
★ THE NEW NOVEL FROM AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR AJ CAMPBELL ★
Great for readers of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, Clare Mackintosh, Rachel Abbotts and Adele Parks
𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙇𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 by A.J. Campbell is a psychological thriller that will have you turning the pages well into the night! This is book two in the 𝘌𝘷𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, following 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚; however it can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
A missing man. A desperate friend. A circle of deceit.
Would you refuse your friend’s desperate plea for help?
When Eva’s close friend Marc disappears, his wife Sasha is distraught, and Eva is baffled. Sasha and Marc were happy, the perfect couple... or so everybody thought.
Sasha begs Eva to help her find Marc. But he has appeared at the police station where Eva works and has made a statement. It’s on record – when his family report him missing, Marc doesn’t want to be found.
As each day passes, the mystery deepens. What was Marc up to? What made him do the things he did in the months leading up to his disappearance? Things so out of character, Eva struggles to tell Sasha about them… and then a disturbing discovery changes everything.
Thank you @ajcampbellauthor for the gifted copy! This book is available now to purchase, as well as her prior thriller 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, which was also amazing! This was a great suspenseful read with many twists and unexpected turns, especially the ending! It was fast paced and intriguing, and I read it in only a few days! I encourage you to pick this series up today!
May 2, 2021
Following events in Leave well alone, Eva and Jim are now married with two children and while she’s a detective, Jim left the force to become an author after becoming confined to a wheelchair following a road traffic incident. Requiring regular physiotherapy it comes as a shock to Eva when their close friend and Jim’s physiotherapist’s husband Marc goes missing. Especially as Eva had chased after him when she discovered he had made a report at her police station declaring he was of sound mind and if reported missing he didn’t want to be found.
Having to go off the book and putting her career in jeopardy Eva is determined to find out why a happily married family man wanted to disappear. Is he having a mid life crisis, an affair, suffering a breakdown after losing his job or is more going on that even his wife knows about?
Napier Close should have been called Wisteria Lane as there are more dodgy neighbours, blackmail, secrets and goings on than there ever was in Desperate Housewives. Those neighbours you invited over had more skeletons in their closet than a Halloween store.
With great characters and strong pacing this book kept me glued as I tried to piece the clues together alongside Eva.
It’s very true when they say you never know what goes on behind closed doors but when you see photographic evidence will you believe their story. As Bucks Fizz sang the camera never lies or does it????
Having to go off the book and putting her career in jeopardy Eva is determined to find out why a happily married family man wanted to disappear. Is he having a mid life crisis, an affair, suffering a breakdown after losing his job or is more going on that even his wife knows about?
Napier Close should have been called Wisteria Lane as there are more dodgy neighbours, blackmail, secrets and goings on than there ever was in Desperate Housewives. Those neighbours you invited over had more skeletons in their closet than a Halloween store.
With great characters and strong pacing this book kept me glued as I tried to piece the clues together alongside Eva.
It’s very true when they say you never know what goes on behind closed doors but when you see photographic evidence will you believe their story. As Bucks Fizz sang the camera never lies or does it????
March 3, 2021
For full disclosure I was sent an ARC copy of this book to read and review.
Don’t Come Looking is AJ Campbell’s second novel and follows the path of Eva Barnes, the main character from AJ’s first book Leave Well Alone. AJ’s style and flow of writing entices the reader, creating a journey with many exciting twists and turns.
Eva has left her unsettled past behind her when gets caught up in a friend’s life-changing situation. She seems to have intrigue and adventure follow her wherever she goes and cannot escape mystery or her ingrained nature to uncover the truth. The pace of this story is fast, which meant I read it quickly, wanting to learn more about each new character and their part in this plot. This book keeps you guessing until the very end with an exciting finale I didn’t see coming. I would thoroughly recommend!!!
Don’t Come Looking is AJ Campbell’s second novel and follows the path of Eva Barnes, the main character from AJ’s first book Leave Well Alone. AJ’s style and flow of writing entices the reader, creating a journey with many exciting twists and turns.
Eva has left her unsettled past behind her when gets caught up in a friend’s life-changing situation. She seems to have intrigue and adventure follow her wherever she goes and cannot escape mystery or her ingrained nature to uncover the truth. The pace of this story is fast, which meant I read it quickly, wanting to learn more about each new character and their part in this plot. This book keeps you guessing until the very end with an exciting finale I didn’t see coming. I would thoroughly recommend!!!
May 5, 2021
I absolutely adore this author, I have to say this could quite possibly be my favourite book yet. This is a book that has pulled me in and kept me gripped from beginning to end. I have devoured page after page in just one sitting.
This has been a welcome revisit to some characters and we have met many other dodgy personalities within this one. I have loved the pace of this book and trying to put together the events of this one with Eva.
I love that the author has explored how deep a mental illness can be and this has been a gripping read that I haven’t wanted to put down.
I was absolutely delighted to be contacted by the author to be a part of this blog tour. I absolutely cannot wait to see what is next.
This is a book that I absolutely think should be on the TBR. A definite five star read.
This has been a welcome revisit to some characters and we have met many other dodgy personalities within this one. I have loved the pace of this book and trying to put together the events of this one with Eva.
I love that the author has explored how deep a mental illness can be and this has been a gripping read that I haven’t wanted to put down.
I was absolutely delighted to be contacted by the author to be a part of this blog tour. I absolutely cannot wait to see what is next.
This is a book that I absolutely think should be on the TBR. A definite five star read.
March 18, 2021
For full disclosure I was sent an ARC copy of this book to read and review.
A greatly anticipated follow up on AJ Campbell's debut novel 'Leave Well Alone', 'Don't Come Looking' did not disappoint!
We catch up with Eva Barnes a few years on working as Detective in London seeking to help her friend uncover the truth behind her husband's disappearance.
Fast paced writing kept you on the edge of your seat, the story is well written and cleverly formed, introducing a host of characters and their interwoven lives.
If you like gripping books such as 'The Da Vinci Code' you will love this!
March 12, 2021
I was lucky enough to re3ceive an ARC copy of Don't Come Looking, and looked forward to reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed AJ's first book, Leave Well Alone, and was pleased that this one was equally gripping, with lots of unexpected plot twists and a satisfying ending.
More please, AJ!
More please, AJ!
August 23, 2021
An absolutely brilliant second novel that has been shared around my family. The story is totally gripping and kept me reading late into the night. It’s not often my husband can’t put a book down but Don’t Come Looking was one of those books. Great holiday read too!
June 30, 2023
Love this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story although I made the mistake of not reading the first Eva Barnes book first. But I will correct that right meow! Truthfully, this author is rapidly becoming my favorite. I would gladly read her Tesco shopping list. 😆 💙
I thoroughly enjoyed this story although I made the mistake of not reading the first Eva Barnes book first. But I will correct that right meow! Truthfully, this author is rapidly becoming my favorite. I would gladly read her Tesco shopping list. 😆 💙
February 25, 2024
Comfortable read. Really enjoyed it.
November 17, 2024
great read!
I enjoy this book very much. Kept me guessing and I really enjoyed the characters. I would definitely recommend it!
I enjoy this book very much. Kept me guessing and I really enjoyed the characters. I would definitely recommend it!
July 29, 2021
Don't Come Looking is a great mystery/suspense novel that kept me wondering about Marc up until the very end. I felt sorry for the main character, Eva. She was surrounded by messes of neighbors that kept her away from her family and had her nearly jeopardizing her career, but without them, there would have been no story.
The beginning was a little slow moving, but the pace in the middle and end picked up to a nice conclusion without any loose ends. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
The beginning was a little slow moving, but the pace in the middle and end picked up to a nice conclusion without any loose ends. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.
August 5, 2021
Campbell seems to spend time on relationships in her books. I think that’s a plus.
April 27, 2025
Wow!
This book was very fast paced with lots of dialogue that kept the story moving with no dull moments. Eva’s chapters and Luke’s chapters are so different and interesting.
This book was very fast paced with lots of dialogue that kept the story moving with no dull moments. Eva’s chapters and Luke’s chapters are so different and interesting.
August 5, 2021
Great Book!!
I believe most of my friends and family would love this book. The plot was easy to follow but still had a surprising ending. Hard to put down!
I believe most of my friends and family would love this book. The plot was easy to follow but still had a surprising ending. Hard to put down!
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