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Cal Lovett Files #1
Unsolved
He won’t rest until he finds out the truth…
Cal Lovett is obsessed with finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself.
His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something. But he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted.
So when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire in search of the truth.
Does Cal have what it takes to unearth the secrets hiding in the hills? And what if he finds something that leads him back to the heart of his own family’s past?
Cal Lovett is obsessed with finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself.
His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something. But he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted.
So when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire in search of the truth.
Does Cal have what it takes to unearth the secrets hiding in the hills? And what if he finds something that leads him back to the heart of his own family’s past?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2023
86 people are currently reading
2231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
April 21, 2023
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are very honest.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot :3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
True crime podcast Cal Lovett is sent to find out what happened to Layla in 1986, triggering unfriendly memories of his own sister's disappearance.
MY OPINION
Canelo is my Honda Civic Reliable publisher. They reliably publish well-written books; I think I've only DNF'd one from them. This book was no different – the writing quality was on brand for them, BUT unfortunately this one fell a little short. It kinda find like a debut, which it isn't. The ingredients were there, but the measurements were wrong.
This is one of the rare cases where I struggle to find the words to why this didn't quite work for me. Not that I'm the most articulate person on this site, but I definitely bring the receipts, so I apologize if this one is a bit vague. But for one, I felt like it lacked the emotional punch I expect from this type of prose. It was clear the author was trying to make us feel Cal's pain for his missing sister Margot, but I don't think she painted us a clear enough image of who Margot was and their relationship to feel his pain. However, there are some emotional scenes between Cal and his daughter – I wish the author had carried that kind of storytelling over the rest of the book.
While Layla's flashbacks were interesting, I didn't feel any suspense as we move between her past and Cal trying to solve the case in the present. It seemed rather easy/convenient how everything came together. Also, if Cal's whole ass career is true crime podcasting, how can this one little case which bore no resemblance (at least not explicitly) to his sister's, be so triggering?
Although I'm not emotionally invested or super curious about what happened to Margot, I do like the writing enough to continue with this series. Sometimes the first book in a series can be its weakest, so I'm curious to see if the author finds her stride in book #2. The excerpt was quite intriguing. Regardless of this wishy washy plot, it's clear that Canelo has a knack for finding talented authors.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, scenes with his daughter put me in my feels
Cons: uneven pacing, failed to get emotionally attached to Cal's struggles with his sisters disappearance
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
Writing: 4/5 | Plot :3/5 | Ending: 3/5
SYNOPSIS
True crime podcast Cal Lovett is sent to find out what happened to Layla in 1986, triggering unfriendly memories of his own sister's disappearance.
MY OPINION
Canelo is my Honda Civic Reliable publisher. They reliably publish well-written books; I think I've only DNF'd one from them. This book was no different – the writing quality was on brand for them, BUT unfortunately this one fell a little short. It kinda find like a debut, which it isn't. The ingredients were there, but the measurements were wrong.
This is one of the rare cases where I struggle to find the words to why this didn't quite work for me. Not that I'm the most articulate person on this site, but I definitely bring the receipts, so I apologize if this one is a bit vague. But for one, I felt like it lacked the emotional punch I expect from this type of prose. It was clear the author was trying to make us feel Cal's pain for his missing sister Margot, but I don't think she painted us a clear enough image of who Margot was and their relationship to feel his pain. However, there are some emotional scenes between Cal and his daughter – I wish the author had carried that kind of storytelling over the rest of the book.
While Layla's flashbacks were interesting, I didn't feel any suspense as we move between her past and Cal trying to solve the case in the present. It seemed rather easy/convenient how everything came together. Also, if Cal's whole ass career is true crime podcasting, how can this one little case which bore no resemblance (at least not explicitly) to his sister's, be so triggering?
Although I'm not emotionally invested or super curious about what happened to Margot, I do like the writing enough to continue with this series. Sometimes the first book in a series can be its weakest, so I'm curious to see if the author finds her stride in book #2. The excerpt was quite intriguing. Regardless of this wishy washy plot, it's clear that Canelo has a knack for finding talented authors.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, scenes with his daughter put me in my feels
Cons: uneven pacing, failed to get emotionally attached to Cal's struggles with his sisters disappearance
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
March 28, 2023
Cal Lovett Files #1
In 1986 Layla Mackie goes for a wild ride on Ruby deep into the Aberdeenshire countryside anxious to leave it all behind. Darkness falls, a panicked horse returns but where is Layla?
Fast forward to the present day to the West Midlands and true crime podcaster Cal Lovett has more reason than most to invest in helping others in his investigations. His much older sister Margot vanishes without a trace when he’s nine years old. Against the wishes of his wife he goes to Broadmoor to interview Marc Dubois, the Woodland Killer who seems to hint at knowing something but is this ‘face of evil’ playing with him? When Cal gets a call from Layla’s mother begging for his help to find answers he heads north to Aberdeenshire. Can Cal find answers for this desperate family? Can he lay his own ghosts to rest?
The novel starts really strongly in 1986 and later with the chilling Dubois interview which makes you recoil in revulsion as he aims destructive barbs at Cal. The impact of the ‘disappeared’ on the families is done well as they try to live with a lack of answers and the void left by their loved ones making you feel empathy for them.
Cal as a central character is immensely likeable, he’s a caring father to his struggling daughter but his sadness and frustration over Margot and a mounting crisis in his personal life do weigh him down. His daughter Chrissie is a lovely teenager and Shona, a forensic anthropologist Cal meets in Scotland livens the pages.
This is a well written, easy to read novel with the past and present fusing well so the storyline flows. The plot is constantly changing, it’s very intriguing and packed with emotion. There’s unease, some unravelling, the suspense builds, there’s tension, plenty of plot twists, the pace is good and I like the end where a shape shifter is unmasked. There’s guilt as well as relief but also optimism and I like that it ends on a good note.
Overall, a breeze through entertaining read and I’m already looking forward to number 2 and seeing what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
In 1986 Layla Mackie goes for a wild ride on Ruby deep into the Aberdeenshire countryside anxious to leave it all behind. Darkness falls, a panicked horse returns but where is Layla?
Fast forward to the present day to the West Midlands and true crime podcaster Cal Lovett has more reason than most to invest in helping others in his investigations. His much older sister Margot vanishes without a trace when he’s nine years old. Against the wishes of his wife he goes to Broadmoor to interview Marc Dubois, the Woodland Killer who seems to hint at knowing something but is this ‘face of evil’ playing with him? When Cal gets a call from Layla’s mother begging for his help to find answers he heads north to Aberdeenshire. Can Cal find answers for this desperate family? Can he lay his own ghosts to rest?
The novel starts really strongly in 1986 and later with the chilling Dubois interview which makes you recoil in revulsion as he aims destructive barbs at Cal. The impact of the ‘disappeared’ on the families is done well as they try to live with a lack of answers and the void left by their loved ones making you feel empathy for them.
Cal as a central character is immensely likeable, he’s a caring father to his struggling daughter but his sadness and frustration over Margot and a mounting crisis in his personal life do weigh him down. His daughter Chrissie is a lovely teenager and Shona, a forensic anthropologist Cal meets in Scotland livens the pages.
This is a well written, easy to read novel with the past and present fusing well so the storyline flows. The plot is constantly changing, it’s very intriguing and packed with emotion. There’s unease, some unravelling, the suspense builds, there’s tension, plenty of plot twists, the pace is good and I like the end where a shape shifter is unmasked. There’s guilt as well as relief but also optimism and I like that it ends on a good note.
Overall, a breeze through entertaining read and I’m already looking forward to number 2 and seeing what happens next to these characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canelo for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 17, 2023
I usually love true crime but this book had nothing going for it. Too slow and so repetitive and honestly brought nothing new to the table. A very mediocre read
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 17, 2025
A solid 3.5
May 9, 2023
Cal Lovett is a podcaster in his mid-40s. He is married to Allie, an artist, and they have a teenage daughter, Chrissie. Cal was one of Britain’s first true crime podcasters, but his ratings has been steadily declining and his boss keeps at him to find the ‘big scoop’.
Could that scoop be an interview with a sadistic serial killer, Marc Dubois, also known as the Woodland Killer? Dubois has never granted any interviews before, so Cal is surprised, but also excited.
When he arrives at Broadmoor, Cal realises that Dubois is a manipulative psychopath. However, at the end of the interview, he mentions a couple of names: Christopher and Margot Longacre.
Cal is in shock as Margot Longacre was his sister, who disappeared when he was nine, and she was nineteen. Cal’s real name was Christopher Longacre, but he changed it when he became an adult to distance himself from his past. How does Dubois know about Margot? Was he responsible for her death?
While all this is happening, Cal heads to Aberdeenshire to investigate a disappearance of Layla Mackie, who went missing in 1986, same year as Margot. Cal interviews her parents and her colleagues from the hotel she used to work as a waitress. Can he piece together the puzzle and discover Layla’s whereabouts?
I really enjoyed this book. I liked it so much, I finished it in two sittings.
I liked the dual timeline, especially the past, as it was written from Layla’s perspective and I felt like I was getting to know her.
Cal was someone who was haunted by his past. It was clear that his sister’s disappearance left a huge void in his life, that’s why he changed his name, and wouldn’t admit to others that he had a sister.
Overall, it is a great start to the series and I cannot wait for another Cal Lovett book.
Could that scoop be an interview with a sadistic serial killer, Marc Dubois, also known as the Woodland Killer? Dubois has never granted any interviews before, so Cal is surprised, but also excited.
When he arrives at Broadmoor, Cal realises that Dubois is a manipulative psychopath. However, at the end of the interview, he mentions a couple of names: Christopher and Margot Longacre.
Cal is in shock as Margot Longacre was his sister, who disappeared when he was nine, and she was nineteen. Cal’s real name was Christopher Longacre, but he changed it when he became an adult to distance himself from his past. How does Dubois know about Margot? Was he responsible for her death?
While all this is happening, Cal heads to Aberdeenshire to investigate a disappearance of Layla Mackie, who went missing in 1986, same year as Margot. Cal interviews her parents and her colleagues from the hotel she used to work as a waitress. Can he piece together the puzzle and discover Layla’s whereabouts?
I really enjoyed this book. I liked it so much, I finished it in two sittings.
I liked the dual timeline, especially the past, as it was written from Layla’s perspective and I felt like I was getting to know her.
Cal was someone who was haunted by his past. It was clear that his sister’s disappearance left a huge void in his life, that’s why he changed his name, and wouldn’t admit to others that he had a sister.
Overall, it is a great start to the series and I cannot wait for another Cal Lovett book.
May 9, 2023
I’m obsessed with True Crime Podcasts so when I saw this beauty on Netgalley I requested it immediately.
The prologue starts off with Layla in 1986, this part is absolutely gripping and will leave you thinking “What the hell?”.
The present day is about Cal he’s a True Crime Podcaster.
At the moment he’s having trouble at home because he’s getting too wrapped up and involved in a true crime series he’s doing, he can’t seem to separate things.
A while ago he was contacted by a Scottish mother desperately searching for answers about her missing daughter ( Layla).
A missing teenager is something that’s close to Cal’s heart because his sister Margot went missing when she was a teenager too.
What comes next is Cal’s journey to Aberdeenshire to find out what happened to Layla.
What a triumph that this book is, it’s full on twists, turns and mystery.
I was so excited by what I was reading.
The short chapters make it so easy to read , you don’t even realise how far you’ve gotten.
I was mesmerised by Layla’s and Cal’s chapters they hook you in and have you solving the case alongside Cal.
The story sets up book 2 nicely and I can’t wait for that after reading the extract for book 2 at the end of this one.
The prologue starts off with Layla in 1986, this part is absolutely gripping and will leave you thinking “What the hell?”.
The present day is about Cal he’s a True Crime Podcaster.
At the moment he’s having trouble at home because he’s getting too wrapped up and involved in a true crime series he’s doing, he can’t seem to separate things.
A while ago he was contacted by a Scottish mother desperately searching for answers about her missing daughter ( Layla).
A missing teenager is something that’s close to Cal’s heart because his sister Margot went missing when she was a teenager too.
What comes next is Cal’s journey to Aberdeenshire to find out what happened to Layla.
What a triumph that this book is, it’s full on twists, turns and mystery.
I was so excited by what I was reading.
The short chapters make it so easy to read , you don’t even realise how far you’ve gotten.
I was mesmerised by Layla’s and Cal’s chapters they hook you in and have you solving the case alongside Cal.
The story sets up book 2 nicely and I can’t wait for that after reading the extract for book 2 at the end of this one.
May 22, 2023
Cal is a man on a mission he has a teenage daughter who is going through teenage things a wife who feels isolated from him but his mission is to solve a decade a mystery about Layla not to mention his missing sister. Despite his wife begging him not to he feels compelled to visit in ignorant but arrogant serial killer who insists on getting candy bars. He also wants to revamp the podcast or at least his producer does. This is the first book in a proposed Siri‘s but I found the book reads like a great mystery they were many sad parts twists family drama and danger end it all evolves into a great ending I do have certain thoughts about the ending or a part close to the ending but if I say it will give keep plot points a ways and it didn’t bother me enough to skew my rating so I will just say if you like a good mystery and want to start what looks like a great Siri‘s then you need to read Unsolved, I really don’t think a lover of mystery will be disappointed. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 12, 2025
Has the case been cold for too long?
Cal Lovett spends his life finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself. His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something but he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted. So, when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire to investigate. Secrets hide in the hills and the past lurks among the trees….. can Cal unearth the truth or will be consumed by it?
This book sucked me in so quickly. Cal is tormented by the past and his missing sister, but he is so earnest and determined to help other people. The emotion is raw and you can’t help but be swept up in it. With new information about his sister’s disappearance, and tension at home, Cal escapes to investigate another missing persons case for his podcast. His investigation brings fresh information in the case and sends us on a journey from present day back to 1984.
This is a great start to the series and we all know I’ve got a soft spot for mixed media books. The breaks for podcast updates summarise each segment of the plot nicely. It is an intriguing plot with multiple possible suspects. The reveal was really well done and a little surprising. The book ends with a tantalising update in Margot’s disappearance too.
Recommend.
Cal Lovett spends his life finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself. His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something but he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted. So, when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire to investigate. Secrets hide in the hills and the past lurks among the trees….. can Cal unearth the truth or will be consumed by it?
This book sucked me in so quickly. Cal is tormented by the past and his missing sister, but he is so earnest and determined to help other people. The emotion is raw and you can’t help but be swept up in it. With new information about his sister’s disappearance, and tension at home, Cal escapes to investigate another missing persons case for his podcast. His investigation brings fresh information in the case and sends us on a journey from present day back to 1984.
This is a great start to the series and we all know I’ve got a soft spot for mixed media books. The breaks for podcast updates summarise each segment of the plot nicely. It is an intriguing plot with multiple possible suspects. The reveal was really well done and a little surprising. The book ends with a tantalising update in Margot’s disappearance too.
Recommend.
March 3, 2023
I have read, and been disappointed by, several books that follow true crime podcasters. This is the one to finally break that lacklustre streak! Cal, a podcaster whose own childhood was marked by a family tragedy, investigates the 1986 disappearance of a young woman. Anyone who has ever listened to any kind of true crime docutainment knows that victims are angels and saints in the telling of their loved ones. Layla however was a complex, difficult person. Fractious and quick to temper, she is the fascinating heart of so many secrets in this small countryside community. This would be perfect for fans of crime and police procedural type books.
3.75 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this quite a bit and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book for free from net galley in exchange for a review.
3.75 stars rounded up. I enjoyed this quite a bit and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book for free from net galley in exchange for a review.
March 6, 2024
Classic thriller story with a ton of added depth in the main character and modern twist!
September 5, 2024
Unsolved follows Cal, a true crime podcaster as he investigates a cold case of a missing woman, Layla. Cal is fighting his own personal demons which adds an extra layer to the suspense. I found the book to be well written, with well rounded (mostly) likeable characters. The ending felt a tad rushed and there were a few questionable moments wondering why the police wouldn't have followed some of the lines of enquiry that Cal did. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.
Thank you to the Pigeonhole and author for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to the Pigeonhole and author for the opportunity to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
I wish we could do halves for reviews. I was bouncing between a three and a four, and decided to go with a four as I did find the novel enjoyable overall. I try to write my reviews without spoilers, so will try to avoid that here. Completely unrelated to the novel other than a name, I now have Layla by Eric Clapton stuck on repeat in my head.
Anyone who follows true crime in pretty much any media is well aware of the true crime podcaster. In this novel, we find a true crime podcaster with a lurking true crime of his own overshadowing everything he does trying to get answers for a family whose daughter went missing after a horseback ride years earlier. He’s on a quick turnaround to try and stay relevant and keep ratings while trying to solve a mystery that’s been haunting a small town. The novel touches on the ripple effects Layla’s disappearance has had on those left behind, her parents who have been unable to move on, the suspect boyfriend, other employees and witnesses to events at the hotel who wonder if they had said or did things differently would maybe she have ridden back with her horse that day.
There were a few pieces of writing in the novel that I think could have been tightened up, and some of the book was slightly predictable. I did think the author touched on some themes though that aren’t always discussed. Without a spoiler, what Cal has to navigate later in the novel with his daughter is something that more and more parents have to navigate and there isn’t a handbook. I did like that we had an “imperfect” subject who he was looking for and that attempts were made to bring her to life. Overall I enjoyed the novel. It was a fairly quick read and I was able to get lost in it. I specifically picked this book up over others as it was set in Scotland and I am 100% here for more works set in Scotland.
Please be advised that I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity.
Anyone who follows true crime in pretty much any media is well aware of the true crime podcaster. In this novel, we find a true crime podcaster with a lurking true crime of his own overshadowing everything he does trying to get answers for a family whose daughter went missing after a horseback ride years earlier. He’s on a quick turnaround to try and stay relevant and keep ratings while trying to solve a mystery that’s been haunting a small town. The novel touches on the ripple effects Layla’s disappearance has had on those left behind, her parents who have been unable to move on, the suspect boyfriend, other employees and witnesses to events at the hotel who wonder if they had said or did things differently would maybe she have ridden back with her horse that day.
There were a few pieces of writing in the novel that I think could have been tightened up, and some of the book was slightly predictable. I did think the author touched on some themes though that aren’t always discussed. Without a spoiler, what Cal has to navigate later in the novel with his daughter is something that more and more parents have to navigate and there isn’t a handbook. I did like that we had an “imperfect” subject who he was looking for and that attempts were made to bring her to life. Overall I enjoyed the novel. It was a fairly quick read and I was able to get lost in it. I specifically picked this book up over others as it was set in Scotland and I am 100% here for more works set in Scotland.
Please be advised that I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity.
March 2, 2023
"Unsolved" by Heather Critchlow is a brilliant crime thriller - a deeply satisfying suspense novel about Cal Lovett, a man who investigates cold cases for his true crime podcast. As we get to know Cal better, we find out more about the demons that drive him and discover why his life is falling to pieces. This process is underway even as Cal seeks to revive his flagging career by interviewing an enigmatic serial killer.
The criminal, Dubois, has for reasons unknown to Cal, chosen the podcaster to be the recipient of his first interview in years. But the price of this career-saving coup is Cal's growing emotional distance from his wife and teenage daughter, who resent his insistence on, quite literally, chasing ghosts. Because Cal (formerly Chris Longacre) has never got over the unexplained disappearance of his older sister, Margot.
Despite his efforts to get on with his life, Margot's fate - which remains unknown - haunts Cal even after the passing of decades. Indeed, it seems that Margot's disappearance has been the primary factor behind her brother's choice of career.
Now, Cal approaches his interview with Dubois, known as the Woodland Killer, as an opportunity to restore his professional reputation and chase up a possible link with Margot. The killer's notoriety promises both rewards and recognition for the podcaster, who knows he's scored the opportunity of a lifetime.
But Dubois is playing a game of his own. And Cal cannot rid himself of the feeling that the killer's cryptic words will haunt him forever -unless he figures out what those utterances mean, and how the man knows about Margot's case.
In the meantime, Cal's frequent absences haunt his family as surely as the loss of his sister continues to haunt him. His daughter Christina views her father's latest departure to examine yet another cold case as just one more example of the way her father comes and goes in her life, like the shifting tides. His wife Allie has also had enough of his obsessive search for answers and issues an ultimatum of her own.
After hitting a dead end in the Dubois case, Cal tries to distract himself from his sister's story and takes off to investigate the unexplained disappearance of another young woman some years ago.
Only eighteen, Laila Mackie never returned from her ride in the Scottish Highlands, though her terrified mount returned to the stables riderless. Laila was a disaffected young woman working at a nearby hotel, who had a magnetic effect on the men she encountered. And while suspicions still abound regarding various players in her love life, nobody seems able to figure out what actually happened to her. During the process of looking into Laila's case, the other aspects of Cal's life start unravelling, with new secrets surfacing in his family life.
Critchlow does a fantastic job of capturing the reader, building empathy for Cal's situation even as the story sub-plots begin gathering momentum. The pace of storytelling is excellent, the narrative is skilfully plotted, and - perhaps best of all - the characters come alive in the reader's imagination. I, for one, look forward to the next Cal Lovett book with great anticipation!
(Note: I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
The criminal, Dubois, has for reasons unknown to Cal, chosen the podcaster to be the recipient of his first interview in years. But the price of this career-saving coup is Cal's growing emotional distance from his wife and teenage daughter, who resent his insistence on, quite literally, chasing ghosts. Because Cal (formerly Chris Longacre) has never got over the unexplained disappearance of his older sister, Margot.
Despite his efforts to get on with his life, Margot's fate - which remains unknown - haunts Cal even after the passing of decades. Indeed, it seems that Margot's disappearance has been the primary factor behind her brother's choice of career.
Now, Cal approaches his interview with Dubois, known as the Woodland Killer, as an opportunity to restore his professional reputation and chase up a possible link with Margot. The killer's notoriety promises both rewards and recognition for the podcaster, who knows he's scored the opportunity of a lifetime.
But Dubois is playing a game of his own. And Cal cannot rid himself of the feeling that the killer's cryptic words will haunt him forever -unless he figures out what those utterances mean, and how the man knows about Margot's case.
In the meantime, Cal's frequent absences haunt his family as surely as the loss of his sister continues to haunt him. His daughter Christina views her father's latest departure to examine yet another cold case as just one more example of the way her father comes and goes in her life, like the shifting tides. His wife Allie has also had enough of his obsessive search for answers and issues an ultimatum of her own.
After hitting a dead end in the Dubois case, Cal tries to distract himself from his sister's story and takes off to investigate the unexplained disappearance of another young woman some years ago.
Only eighteen, Laila Mackie never returned from her ride in the Scottish Highlands, though her terrified mount returned to the stables riderless. Laila was a disaffected young woman working at a nearby hotel, who had a magnetic effect on the men she encountered. And while suspicions still abound regarding various players in her love life, nobody seems able to figure out what actually happened to her. During the process of looking into Laila's case, the other aspects of Cal's life start unravelling, with new secrets surfacing in his family life.
Critchlow does a fantastic job of capturing the reader, building empathy for Cal's situation even as the story sub-plots begin gathering momentum. The pace of storytelling is excellent, the narrative is skilfully plotted, and - perhaps best of all - the characters come alive in the reader's imagination. I, for one, look forward to the next Cal Lovett book with great anticipation!
(Note: I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)
May 18, 2023
So Unsolved is a debut crime fiction novel by Heather Critchlow. I was totally drawn to the book from the opening chapter. I loved the story of Cal Lovett, who is a true crime podcaster whose own sister went missing many years ago and was never found. This has driven him to host Finding Justice, a podcast that tries to give the victims of crime a voice. I loved Cal’s character, really cleverly written as someone who wants to help other families with missing relatives but also all the while struggling mentally with his own devasting past.
In Unsolved we see him head up to Scotland to help the family of Layla, who has asked Cal to find their daughter’s presumed killer ( they don’t have a body). In amongst so family challenges of his own, Cal takes his daughter Chrissie with him as she has been the victim of cyberbullying and needs to get away from her school.
I loved Unsolved, it was a very quick and easy read. The characters are really marvellous and I instantly wanted to read more about Cal and his daughter Chrissie, I suspect they will become a duo in future novels. The plot was also very well written, and in particular, I love that the victims of crime are heavily at the forefront of Unsolved, as sometimes they get forgotten especially with serial killers.
I have to admit I did guess who the perp was, but I did not work out how Unsolved would get to that point, so the ending was a great crescendo and a surprise to me!.
An all-round excellent debut novel from an author who I look forward to reading the next book. And a really enjoyable readalong with the group too. A 4-star rating from me.
In Unsolved we see him head up to Scotland to help the family of Layla, who has asked Cal to find their daughter’s presumed killer ( they don’t have a body). In amongst so family challenges of his own, Cal takes his daughter Chrissie with him as she has been the victim of cyberbullying and needs to get away from her school.
I loved Unsolved, it was a very quick and easy read. The characters are really marvellous and I instantly wanted to read more about Cal and his daughter Chrissie, I suspect they will become a duo in future novels. The plot was also very well written, and in particular, I love that the victims of crime are heavily at the forefront of Unsolved, as sometimes they get forgotten especially with serial killers.
I have to admit I did guess who the perp was, but I did not work out how Unsolved would get to that point, so the ending was a great crescendo and a surprise to me!.
An all-round excellent debut novel from an author who I look forward to reading the next book. And a really enjoyable readalong with the group too. A 4-star rating from me.
May 19, 2024
This is a middle of the road mystery. I really enjoyed it, and I will read the next one. However, I wouldn’t read this one again. That’s why I can’t justify higher than three stars.
Basically…
Cal Lovett's sister has been missing since he was a child. When Marc Dubois, The Woodland Killer, learns of Cal's true-crime podcast, he invites Cal into his cell to talk. Dubois has famously refused to speak about his crimes, so why has he asked Cal to meet with him? Cal digs up a cold-case file to investigate for the show. It sends him to the Scottish Highlands to look into a case where a young woman disappeared thirty-five years ago after going horseback riding. Her horse returned without her, and it was assumed she fell and was left injured in the wilderness. But the more Cal learns about Layla, the more he begins to think her disappearance wasn't an accident.
Basically…
Cal Lovett's sister has been missing since he was a child. When Marc Dubois, The Woodland Killer, learns of Cal's true-crime podcast, he invites Cal into his cell to talk. Dubois has famously refused to speak about his crimes, so why has he asked Cal to meet with him? Cal digs up a cold-case file to investigate for the show. It sends him to the Scottish Highlands to look into a case where a young woman disappeared thirty-five years ago after going horseback riding. Her horse returned without her, and it was assumed she fell and was left injured in the wilderness. But the more Cal learns about Layla, the more he begins to think her disappearance wasn't an accident.
October 18, 2023
As a crime junkie, the plot of this book sounded super appealing. And it did hold up to my expectations.
We see Cal head up to Aberdeenshire for his next podcast subject. He is investigating the case of Layla, a girl longing for more than small town life, who went missing after a horse ride in 1986 and never returned. All the while trying to cope with and find more answers about his sister’s disappearance back when he was 9 years old.
The story uses a dual timeline in which we get to see Laylas POV up until and including what really happened when she went missing. Towards the end of the book I started to get a bit disappointed because it felt like it was all wrapping up too quickly. But the twist?! 😮💨
That threw me off in a good way and changed my opinion quickly.
Loved this and will add the next book in the series to my tbr!
We see Cal head up to Aberdeenshire for his next podcast subject. He is investigating the case of Layla, a girl longing for more than small town life, who went missing after a horse ride in 1986 and never returned. All the while trying to cope with and find more answers about his sister’s disappearance back when he was 9 years old.
The story uses a dual timeline in which we get to see Laylas POV up until and including what really happened when she went missing. Towards the end of the book I started to get a bit disappointed because it felt like it was all wrapping up too quickly. But the twist?! 😮💨
That threw me off in a good way and changed my opinion quickly.
Loved this and will add the next book in the series to my tbr!
January 12, 2024
3.5/5
Thank you so much Tandem for sending a copy of Unsolved! I am caught up and ready for the read along for book 2 next week!
When Cal was a child, his sister Margot had disappeared and to this day, her disappearance is a mystery. In the present day, Cal is a true crime podcaster. With ratings being slow, in one last push to regain popularity, he investigates the cold case of Layla, a young missing Scottish Woman who’s case reminds him a little of Margot’s.
This was a little slow to start and the writing was a little jumpy and clunky at times. This being said, I loved the story line and the unpredictability. I thought it was really refreshing following an investigation from a podcasters POV.
This is a great debut from this author and I cannot wait to see what book 2 brings!
Thank you so much Tandem for sending a copy of Unsolved! I am caught up and ready for the read along for book 2 next week!
When Cal was a child, his sister Margot had disappeared and to this day, her disappearance is a mystery. In the present day, Cal is a true crime podcaster. With ratings being slow, in one last push to regain popularity, he investigates the cold case of Layla, a young missing Scottish Woman who’s case reminds him a little of Margot’s.
This was a little slow to start and the writing was a little jumpy and clunky at times. This being said, I loved the story line and the unpredictability. I thought it was really refreshing following an investigation from a podcasters POV.
This is a great debut from this author and I cannot wait to see what book 2 brings!
August 15, 2024
Не е кой знае какво, но не е и твърде зле като за дебютен роман. Героите до един ми бяха антипатични и абсурдни. Историята си беше посредствена, но идеята не е лоша. Вероятно с годините и натрупването на книги зад гърба ѝ, авторката ще става по-добра.
Не знаех, че е трилогия като я подхванах книгата. Истината е обаче, че героите и мистерията не те вдъхновяват много да искаш да прочетеш какво става по-нататък. Пари лично аз не бих дала за поредицата, но ако ми попадне в библиотеката, както ми попадна тази книга, бих я продължила само да видя дали писането се подобрява и дали героите спират да бъдат толкова дразнещи, особено Кал. Не мога да го понасям. :)
Не знаех, че е трилогия като я подхванах книгата. Истината е обаче, че героите и мистерията не те вдъхновяват много да искаш да прочетеш какво става по-нататък. Пари лично аз не бих дала за поредицата, но ако ми попадне в библиотеката, както ми попадна тази книга, бих я продължила само да видя дали писането се подобрява и дали героите спират да бъдат толкова дразнещи, особено Кал. Не мога да го понасям. :)
September 5, 2024
I read Unsolved by Heather Critchlow on the Pigeonhole app with fellow readers worldwide. It’s so different with the protagonist cast as a podcaster, a totally fresh perspective of investigation. Very good descriptive language, pace meets the tension, cliffhangers, so many times I got it wrong. Great perspective of narrative. Very good storyline, great characters and a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
November 20, 2023
True crime and a pod cast?! YES! Admittedly I had a hard time getting started on this book, but once Cal became fully invested in finding out what happened to Layla I too was ALL IN. The book alternates present day with the past, and two points of view with Cal and Layla, successfully weaving together a story that I could not read fast enough. I liked the way Cal's mind worked to solve Layla's disappearance, and I enjoyed the development of his relationships with the women in his life. The Scottish countryside plays a big part of this book, lending a very creepy feel to the story.
This is book one in a series and I see book two is due out in January and I cannot wait to read it.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is book one in a series and I see book two is due out in January and I cannot wait to read it.
Thank you NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2023
Quite an average read, slightly forgettable. Took a long time to get into this book and I found it very slow and quite repetitive. I usually love crime books but this one didn’t hit the same way. There was big build up to a very snappy and predictable ending. I found myself wondering why the connection to Cals missing sister kept cropping up but the prologue to the second book in the series answered that question, I’m not in a huge rush to pick it up though.
September 10, 2025
I hated Cal’s POV, but liked the rest of the book. It just got bogged down by his vague, repetitive musings and how he became dumb for the plot.
Energy: Cryptic. Simmering. Resigned.
🐺 Growls: For the first 15-20% Cal’s perspective is so overly brooding and and repetitive with so much foreboding but little substance. I never got invested in Cal’s personal arc and couldn’t connect with him because the details around his past were given so late after being hinted at exhaustively through the whole book. People and places tended to be described at the end of chapters/scenes (so frustrating for mind’s eye readers). The bafflingly bad decisions certain characters make to set up the high stakes conclusion.
🐕 Howls: Layering on “this is meaningful” moments without enough context for us to know why.
🐩 Tail Wags: The mystery and setting. Layla’s POV. The podcast transcript snippets and how easy they were to hear in my mind. The case of what happened to Layla. The portrayal of an unlikeable-ish, complex victim, and seeing how others use her difficult personality to justify dismissing her.
Scene: 🏴 West Midlands & Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Perspectives (2): (1) A podcaster with a strained marriage and 16 yo daughter. They take on a case of a missing girl from the 1980s to keep the podcast going. (2) A young adult feeling a little unhinged and purposeless as they’re still living with their parents while peers have started adulting. One of their few joys is riding horses, so they volunteer at a local stable in exchange for access to horses.
Timeline: Then (1986) & Now (2010s). 😶🌫️ Misty, foggy, cold.
Narrative: Overhearing thoughts and feels, observing from afar, armchair sleuting, reader in-the-dark (third person limited/objective).
Fuel: Missing persons mysteries. Personal life of the podcast host. Will his marriage survive? How will his relationships with his daughter change? Will he ever find out what happened to his sister? What happened to the woman in the case he’s covering? Will his podcast unearth the truth? Is he and his family in danger?
Cred: Plausible
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Soup, animal, and damp. Bruises. Misty fogs. Stables. Woodsmoke. Forest waterfall. Restaurants.
• Detached, folksy, slightly overstated writing style
• Brooding, flawed, troubled characters
• Slow burn rural whodunit
• Missing-murdered-accident cold case
• Podcast investigator
• Marriage and relationship conflicts
• Rage, adversity, class, and grief
• Justice, lies, loss, and love
• Missing sister subplot
• Father-daughter bonds
• Growing up, insecurities, and purpose
Content Heads-Up: Alcohol. Animal death (horse; put down). Bullying (high school peers; online, shaming). Child abuse (mention). Corpse (discovery). Death. Heart attack (mention). Infidelity (discovered). Intimate partner violence, abuse. Loss of sibling (frequent mentions). Nicotine (cigarettes). Misogyny (character opinions). Murder. Panic attacks. Potential false accusation. Self harm (cutting, scars). Sexual content (rough, resigned; mentions). Sexual images of minor (distributed; recall). Suicidal ideation (recall). Suicide (off page). Toxic relationship. Violence against women.
Rep: Scottish. Cis. Hetero. Pale, milky, ruddy, tan skin tones
📚 Format: Kindle
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
Energy: Cryptic. Simmering. Resigned.
🐺 Growls: For the first 15-20% Cal’s perspective is so overly brooding and and repetitive with so much foreboding but little substance. I never got invested in Cal’s personal arc and couldn’t connect with him because the details around his past were given so late after being hinted at exhaustively through the whole book. People and places tended to be described at the end of chapters/scenes (so frustrating for mind’s eye readers). The bafflingly bad decisions certain characters make to set up the high stakes conclusion.
🐕 Howls: Layering on “this is meaningful” moments without enough context for us to know why.
🐩 Tail Wags: The mystery and setting. Layla’s POV. The podcast transcript snippets and how easy they were to hear in my mind. The case of what happened to Layla. The portrayal of an unlikeable-ish, complex victim, and seeing how others use her difficult personality to justify dismissing her.
Scene: 🏴 West Midlands & Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Perspectives (2): (1) A podcaster with a strained marriage and 16 yo daughter. They take on a case of a missing girl from the 1980s to keep the podcast going. (2) A young adult feeling a little unhinged and purposeless as they’re still living with their parents while peers have started adulting. One of their few joys is riding horses, so they volunteer at a local stable in exchange for access to horses.
Timeline: Then (1986) & Now (2010s). 😶🌫️ Misty, foggy, cold.
Narrative: Overhearing thoughts and feels, observing from afar, armchair sleuting, reader in-the-dark (third person limited/objective).
Fuel: Missing persons mysteries. Personal life of the podcast host. Will his marriage survive? How will his relationships with his daughter change? Will he ever find out what happened to his sister? What happened to the woman in the case he’s covering? Will his podcast unearth the truth? Is he and his family in danger?
Cred: Plausible
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Soup, animal, and damp. Bruises. Misty fogs. Stables. Woodsmoke. Forest waterfall. Restaurants.
• Detached, folksy, slightly overstated writing style
• Brooding, flawed, troubled characters
• Slow burn rural whodunit
• Missing-murdered-accident cold case
• Podcast investigator
• Marriage and relationship conflicts
• Rage, adversity, class, and grief
• Justice, lies, loss, and love
• Missing sister subplot
• Father-daughter bonds
• Growing up, insecurities, and purpose
Content Heads-Up: Alcohol. Animal death (horse; put down). Bullying (high school peers; online, shaming). Child abuse (mention). Corpse (discovery). Death. Heart attack (mention). Infidelity (discovered). Intimate partner violence, abuse. Loss of sibling (frequent mentions). Nicotine (cigarettes). Misogyny (character opinions). Murder. Panic attacks. Potential false accusation. Self harm (cutting, scars). Sexual content (rough, resigned; mentions). Sexual images of minor (distributed; recall). Suicidal ideation (recall). Suicide (off page). Toxic relationship. Violence against women.
Rep: Scottish. Cis. Hetero. Pale, milky, ruddy, tan skin tones
📚 Format: Kindle
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
September 15, 2023
Book Review: “Unsolved” by Heather Critchlow
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
In “Unsolved” by Heather Critchlow, we delve into the world of Cal Lovett, a man driven by his obsession to uncover the truth behind missing persons cases. As the host of a true crime podcast, Cal dedicates himself to helping others find justice, even as he grapples with the unresolved mystery of his own sister’s disappearance. When the distraught family of a missing Scottish woman seeks his aid, Cal embarks on a journey to Aberdeenshire, determined to unveil the hidden secrets lurking in the hills. However, what he uncovers may lead him down a path that intertwines with his own family’s past.
The book presents an intriguing premise that immediately captivates readers. The author skillfully portrays Cal Lovett as a complex character whose backstory and motivations are well developed. His relentless pursuit of justice and his personal connection to the case create a compelling narrative thread throughout the story. Cal’s dedication to helping others reflects his deep-seated desire to find closure for his own family’s tragedy, adding depth and emotional resonance to his character.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its vividly depicted setting. The atmospheric descriptions of Aberdeenshire transport readers to the misty landscapes and rugged hills of Scotland, enveloping them in an eerie ambiance that enhances the mystery at hand. Critchlow’s attention to detail brings the setting to life, immersing readers in the story’s atmosphere and adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
However, “Unsolved” does suffer from some drawbacks that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The writing style occasionally feels clunky and lacks finesse, making some sections of the book less engaging than they could be. Additionally, the pacing of the plot is inconsistent, with moments of suspense and intrigue interspersed with slower-paced sections that detract from the overall momentum. This uneven pacing can disrupt the reading experience and diminish the impact of certain plot twists.
Overall, “Unsolved” is a mixed bag. While it may not be a standout thriller, it offers enough intrigue and well-developed characters to hold readers’ attention. The book’s atmospheric setting is undoubtedly one of its highlights, drawing readers into the mysterious world of Cal Lovett’s investigations. Despite its flaws, “Unsolved” remains an adequate choice for those seeking a moderately engaging mystery novel.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
In “Unsolved” by Heather Critchlow, we delve into the world of Cal Lovett, a man driven by his obsession to uncover the truth behind missing persons cases. As the host of a true crime podcast, Cal dedicates himself to helping others find justice, even as he grapples with the unresolved mystery of his own sister’s disappearance. When the distraught family of a missing Scottish woman seeks his aid, Cal embarks on a journey to Aberdeenshire, determined to unveil the hidden secrets lurking in the hills. However, what he uncovers may lead him down a path that intertwines with his own family’s past.
The book presents an intriguing premise that immediately captivates readers. The author skillfully portrays Cal Lovett as a complex character whose backstory and motivations are well developed. His relentless pursuit of justice and his personal connection to the case create a compelling narrative thread throughout the story. Cal’s dedication to helping others reflects his deep-seated desire to find closure for his own family’s tragedy, adding depth and emotional resonance to his character.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its vividly depicted setting. The atmospheric descriptions of Aberdeenshire transport readers to the misty landscapes and rugged hills of Scotland, enveloping them in an eerie ambiance that enhances the mystery at hand. Critchlow’s attention to detail brings the setting to life, immersing readers in the story’s atmosphere and adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
However, “Unsolved” does suffer from some drawbacks that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The writing style occasionally feels clunky and lacks finesse, making some sections of the book less engaging than they could be. Additionally, the pacing of the plot is inconsistent, with moments of suspense and intrigue interspersed with slower-paced sections that detract from the overall momentum. This uneven pacing can disrupt the reading experience and diminish the impact of certain plot twists.
Overall, “Unsolved” is a mixed bag. While it may not be a standout thriller, it offers enough intrigue and well-developed characters to hold readers’ attention. The book’s atmospheric setting is undoubtedly one of its highlights, drawing readers into the mysterious world of Cal Lovett’s investigations. Despite its flaws, “Unsolved” remains an adequate choice for those seeking a moderately engaging mystery novel.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
May 16, 2023
My time on the Unsolved readalong is complete ✅
In Unsolved, we meet Cal Lovett. A man in his mid-forties who spends his life dedicated to helping the families of missing people find justice, and sharing their stories on his true crime podcast. Cal has a very personal reason for why he does what he does, as when he was just nine years old, his older sister Margot went missing and has never returned. No one knows what happened to her. So if Cal can’t help himself and his own family, he is determined the help the families of others.
For this particular podcast, Cal is headed up to Aberdeenshire to investigate the disappearance of Layla, just 21 when she went missing in 1986, not far off Margot’s age. Layla’s parents, Jean and Tam, are growing older and they just want answers. Did she simply run off for a new life like some of the locals suspected? Did she have an accident whilst horse riding? Or did something more sinister happen?
The story flits from Layla in the past to Cal in the present. I really enjoyed reading Layla’s chapters and getting to know the kind of person she was and all about the lead up to her disappearance. I had soooo many theories and I was convinced I had cracked it just a few chapters away from the end…I was wrong 🤣 so wrong! That is part of what made the book so great because you just couldn’t guess what was going to happen. It was full of twists and turns!
I loved Cal as well, especially his relationship with Chrissie, his daughter. I liked that we got to see how Margot’s disappearance and the subsequent venture into ‘Finding Justice’ had impacted his personal life and relationship with his wife. It was really interesting to read. I’m hoping that Shona might feature in the next book too?? With maybe a more personal link to Cal?? 👀
A fantastic debut from Heather Critchlow, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment as soon as it is released!
In Unsolved, we meet Cal Lovett. A man in his mid-forties who spends his life dedicated to helping the families of missing people find justice, and sharing their stories on his true crime podcast. Cal has a very personal reason for why he does what he does, as when he was just nine years old, his older sister Margot went missing and has never returned. No one knows what happened to her. So if Cal can’t help himself and his own family, he is determined the help the families of others.
For this particular podcast, Cal is headed up to Aberdeenshire to investigate the disappearance of Layla, just 21 when she went missing in 1986, not far off Margot’s age. Layla’s parents, Jean and Tam, are growing older and they just want answers. Did she simply run off for a new life like some of the locals suspected? Did she have an accident whilst horse riding? Or did something more sinister happen?
The story flits from Layla in the past to Cal in the present. I really enjoyed reading Layla’s chapters and getting to know the kind of person she was and all about the lead up to her disappearance. I had soooo many theories and I was convinced I had cracked it just a few chapters away from the end…I was wrong 🤣 so wrong! That is part of what made the book so great because you just couldn’t guess what was going to happen. It was full of twists and turns!
I loved Cal as well, especially his relationship with Chrissie, his daughter. I liked that we got to see how Margot’s disappearance and the subsequent venture into ‘Finding Justice’ had impacted his personal life and relationship with his wife. It was really interesting to read. I’m hoping that Shona might feature in the next book too?? With maybe a more personal link to Cal?? 👀
A fantastic debut from Heather Critchlow, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment as soon as it is released!
October 30, 2023
I was interested in reading this book as part of it is set near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, an area I am familiar with. I like podcasts and mysteries so I thought this book would be right up my street.
Cal Lovett is an award winning true crime podcaster, determined to find the truth. When he was a child his older sister went missing and has never been found, this has haunted him all his life. When his interviews with the ‘woodland killer’ are cut short due to his death, and with his podcast ratings plummeting, he decides to start investigating a 35 year old cold case. Layla, a troubled young woman, went missing in 1986 in Aberdeenshire and has never been found.
For most of the book, I felt not that much really happened. It wasn’t as gripping or as page turning as it could have been and it was definitely missing something for me, but I can’t put my finger on what. The characters were alright, although there are quite a lot of them. Most of them are a bit flat but I did eventually warm to Cal and his daughter.
Part of the reason I picked up the book was because of the setting, so I expected good descriptions of the area, especially as the author grew up there. However, I felt the book could have been set in any rural area and I didn’t think the description was very evocative.
I found the constant references to “Aberdeenshire” quite odd as it’s such a large area with varied landscapes. Usually, you would refer to the specific town or village which you’re visiting. There were brief mentions of specific towns but not many. I’m not sure if the author did this deliberately to appeal to a wider audience who are maybe not familiar with NE Scotland.
The latter part of the book picked up a bit and I did want to find out ‘whodunnit’. Some parts were very convenient but overall the book did improve towards the end.
I’m not sure if I would read more from this author, but the book was OK and redeemed itself a bit by the end.
Cal Lovett is an award winning true crime podcaster, determined to find the truth. When he was a child his older sister went missing and has never been found, this has haunted him all his life. When his interviews with the ‘woodland killer’ are cut short due to his death, and with his podcast ratings plummeting, he decides to start investigating a 35 year old cold case. Layla, a troubled young woman, went missing in 1986 in Aberdeenshire and has never been found.
For most of the book, I felt not that much really happened. It wasn’t as gripping or as page turning as it could have been and it was definitely missing something for me, but I can’t put my finger on what. The characters were alright, although there are quite a lot of them. Most of them are a bit flat but I did eventually warm to Cal and his daughter.
Part of the reason I picked up the book was because of the setting, so I expected good descriptions of the area, especially as the author grew up there. However, I felt the book could have been set in any rural area and I didn’t think the description was very evocative.
I found the constant references to “Aberdeenshire” quite odd as it’s such a large area with varied landscapes. Usually, you would refer to the specific town or village which you’re visiting. There were brief mentions of specific towns but not many. I’m not sure if the author did this deliberately to appeal to a wider audience who are maybe not familiar with NE Scotland.
The latter part of the book picked up a bit and I did want to find out ‘whodunnit’. Some parts were very convenient but overall the book did improve towards the end.
I’m not sure if I would read more from this author, but the book was OK and redeemed itself a bit by the end.
August 13, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. Not that I ever get a book expecting not to enjoy it. But, this one surprised me by how much I became riveted by the story. Cal Lovett is a true crime podcaster. He is married with one teenage daughter. When he was 9 years old his sister vanished into thin air. She was 19 and Cal worshiped her. It ruined his family and stole his childhood when Margot disappeared. She has been gone 35 years. But, Cal keeps his past secret. Only his embittered mother, his wife, his daughter, and Margot's boyfriend at the time of the disappearance know the truth. Cal changed his name and as a podcaster covering missing people cases, he maintains his facade of cool, calm objectivity. But he can never be objective. He finally secures an interview with a notorious serial killer who is incarcerated at a secure mental health hospital. But the sadistic killer taunts Cal and reveals that he knows Cal's real name and the name of his sister. This sends Cal over the edge and he is desperate to learn more. But as he strives to find out what happened to Margot, he is also looking into a similar disappearance, also over 30 years ago. Young Layla goes for a ride on a horse on morning and the horse returns to the stables without her. No trace has been found and most people think her boyfriend at the time did it. But, no proof. So, Cal goes to Aberdeenshire to find answers. The chapters toggle back and forth between Cal's present (his marriage is falling apart and his daughter is struggling with a personal crisis), Layla's last days. Layla was wild and is disliked by many. She is headstrong, but insecure. As Cal searches for answers and tries to comfort her parents, he has to face his own crises. Yes, he solves Layla's case and comes heartbreakingly closer to Margot's case, but he is still partially in the dark. But he is struggling to move forward and protect his own daughter who reminds him so much of Margot. Great read.
September 7, 2024
Unsolved is the first in the Cal Lovett Files. I read it with my online book club – The Pigeonhole – where we read a ‘stave’ a day – usually a stave is made up of a few chapters. It’s great for crime stories as we can play amatuer detective in our comments.
Cal loves uncovering secrets in his true crime podcast, but his popularity, like his marriage, is going down the pan. He needs a gritty story to resurrect his credibility. He’ll need more than that to save his relationship with his wife Allie.
There are three main strands to this story. Cal visits a notorious serial killer in prison. It’s going to be the subject of his next podcast. His wife wants him to give up the visits because they are taking their toll on Cal. But on his last visit, the killer, Marc Dubois, tells him something that will turn his world on its axis. But is it true, or is Dubois trying to vex him?
And that leads us to the second strand. Cal’s older sister Margot disappeared without trace when Cal was nine years old. He wants to know what happened, but it’s tearing him apart.
Finally we have Layla, who also vanished. The year was 1986. She had gone for a ride on Ruby, one of the horses from the stables where she helped out, but Ruby came back badly injured and Layla was never seen again. The locals believed it was her on-off boyfriend Stephen who killed her (no body was ever discovered), but could Dubois have been involved. Layla’s parents want closure, or do they?
We also have a separate story involving Cal’s teenage daughter Chrissie, who is going through her own trials and tribulations.
I loved this story and hope that the next in the series will also be available on The Pigeonhole. It’s not perfect – there are one or two things that could have been better – but altogether it deserves a hearty 5 stars.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Cal loves uncovering secrets in his true crime podcast, but his popularity, like his marriage, is going down the pan. He needs a gritty story to resurrect his credibility. He’ll need more than that to save his relationship with his wife Allie.
There are three main strands to this story. Cal visits a notorious serial killer in prison. It’s going to be the subject of his next podcast. His wife wants him to give up the visits because they are taking their toll on Cal. But on his last visit, the killer, Marc Dubois, tells him something that will turn his world on its axis. But is it true, or is Dubois trying to vex him?
And that leads us to the second strand. Cal’s older sister Margot disappeared without trace when Cal was nine years old. He wants to know what happened, but it’s tearing him apart.
Finally we have Layla, who also vanished. The year was 1986. She had gone for a ride on Ruby, one of the horses from the stables where she helped out, but Ruby came back badly injured and Layla was never seen again. The locals believed it was her on-off boyfriend Stephen who killed her (no body was ever discovered), but could Dubois have been involved. Layla’s parents want closure, or do they?
We also have a separate story involving Cal’s teenage daughter Chrissie, who is going through her own trials and tribulations.
I loved this story and hope that the next in the series will also be available on The Pigeonhole. It’s not perfect – there are one or two things that could have been better – but altogether it deserves a hearty 5 stars.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
March 11, 2023
The book revolves around a podcaster Cal who is very much dedicated towards his crime broadcast and its obsessed with finding justice for families of the missing persons, majorly because is own sister Margaret had disappeared when he was a child. To all his questions, only one man has the answers, The killer himself but he cannot be trusted. He sets out on a journey to find the truth and also to find what had happened to Margaret, but can he face the truth?
I have read quite a few books featuring a crime podcaster obsessed with finding the truth, but this one I would say was a bit different for me, of course different in a good way. Author has very cleverly not only portrayed the crime but also the personal life of the podcaster himself. The book very beautifully presented the turmoil of not only of those who are missing and their families but also of the reporter himself.
I Really really like books with chapters of titles, why I know it is not always possible to title the chapter but I really prefer it when the author does, it is sort of exciting. In this book has exactly what I prefer. The premise of the story is pretty clever I would say. also there are episodes of the podcast itself which makes it bit more interesting.
The author has done of fantastic job in gathering empathy for Cal. The base of story telling is pretty fast and pretty engaging and it becomes difficult for us to put the book down. Characters feel very real and alive with very clever plotting.
Overall highly recommended!!
I have read quite a few books featuring a crime podcaster obsessed with finding the truth, but this one I would say was a bit different for me, of course different in a good way. Author has very cleverly not only portrayed the crime but also the personal life of the podcaster himself. The book very beautifully presented the turmoil of not only of those who are missing and their families but also of the reporter himself.
I Really really like books with chapters of titles, why I know it is not always possible to title the chapter but I really prefer it when the author does, it is sort of exciting. In this book has exactly what I prefer. The premise of the story is pretty clever I would say. also there are episodes of the podcast itself which makes it bit more interesting.
The author has done of fantastic job in gathering empathy for Cal. The base of story telling is pretty fast and pretty engaging and it becomes difficult for us to put the book down. Characters feel very real and alive with very clever plotting.
Overall highly recommended!!
March 24, 2023
One of my new favorite subgenres in thrillers is "podcast within the book" and this one is no exception!
This story follows Cal Lovett, a true crime podcaster investigating cold cases. The one case he has yet to solve, however, is the disappearance of his sister over 30 years ago. This great mystery has infiltrated into every aspect of Cal's life: his marriage, his relationship with his daughter, and now, his job. On the verge of losing funding for his podcast, Cal needs to produce content quick, and decides to look into the unsolved disappearance of a teen girl in the 80s.
UNSOLVED takes place in the Scottish country side and I couldn't get enough of it. The atmosphere made the reading experience that much more enjoyable. The story is told from Cal's POV as well as flashbacks to Layla, the missing girl. We also get bits of the podcast episodes throughout the book, which is an element I really loved.
While so much of who Cal is is due to his tragic past, I never felt like the story relied on it. We learned enough that his present-day actions made sense, failing relationship and all. Sometimes it feels like authors rely on the back story to tell the present story but I didn't find Critchlow to be guilty of that.
The mystery Cal was solving was fascinating, and the twist at the end was extremely well done. Part of me was like "how didn't I guess that?!" but I believe it's because Layla's story allowed for many possible avenues, showcasing Critchlow's storytelling abilities.
I had a great time reading this book and am definitely eager to see what cold case Cal takes on in the future.
4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story follows Cal Lovett, a true crime podcaster investigating cold cases. The one case he has yet to solve, however, is the disappearance of his sister over 30 years ago. This great mystery has infiltrated into every aspect of Cal's life: his marriage, his relationship with his daughter, and now, his job. On the verge of losing funding for his podcast, Cal needs to produce content quick, and decides to look into the unsolved disappearance of a teen girl in the 80s.
UNSOLVED takes place in the Scottish country side and I couldn't get enough of it. The atmosphere made the reading experience that much more enjoyable. The story is told from Cal's POV as well as flashbacks to Layla, the missing girl. We also get bits of the podcast episodes throughout the book, which is an element I really loved.
While so much of who Cal is is due to his tragic past, I never felt like the story relied on it. We learned enough that his present-day actions made sense, failing relationship and all. Sometimes it feels like authors rely on the back story to tell the present story but I didn't find Critchlow to be guilty of that.
The mystery Cal was solving was fascinating, and the twist at the end was extremely well done. Part of me was like "how didn't I guess that?!" but I believe it's because Layla's story allowed for many possible avenues, showcasing Critchlow's storytelling abilities.
I had a great time reading this book and am definitely eager to see what cold case Cal takes on in the future.
4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 18, 2023
The first in a planned series, Unsolved by Heather Critchlow features journalist and true crime podcaster Cal Lovett, haunted by the disappearance of his older sister, investigating a cold case of Layla, a young woman, who vanished after a horse ride decades previously.
With pressure from his producer to return his once-popular podcast back to the top, Cal is dogged in his determination to investigate this case at the expense of his family life. Unable to communicate with his wife Cal;'s marriage is falling apart. His teenage daughter is also going through her own issues and yet Cal is compelled to find answers for the family.
I found the scenes with his wife slightly heartbreaking, especially the moment when Cal realises his marriage is all but over. We also see a potential love interest (PTI) boiling, but I have to admit I found this part really hard to stomach, given he is so emotionally constipated he cut off his wife, but happily confided in PTI.
The resolution of the case had a couple of minor twists. I do feel this book had first book syndrome - there's a lot to set up about Cal and his life, plus solve the mystery, so I felt that the emotional beats didn't quite land for me. I think this is in part that I know intellectually where he's at, but I don't quite feel who he is. Maybe that's the point! But, overall I think this is a solid and promising debut and I eagerly await more Cal and seeing where he develops as a character.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC.
With pressure from his producer to return his once-popular podcast back to the top, Cal is dogged in his determination to investigate this case at the expense of his family life. Unable to communicate with his wife Cal;'s marriage is falling apart. His teenage daughter is also going through her own issues and yet Cal is compelled to find answers for the family.
I found the scenes with his wife slightly heartbreaking, especially the moment when Cal realises his marriage is all but over. We also see a potential love interest (PTI) boiling, but I have to admit I found this part really hard to stomach, given he is so emotionally constipated he cut off his wife, but happily confided in PTI.
The resolution of the case had a couple of minor twists. I do feel this book had first book syndrome - there's a lot to set up about Cal and his life, plus solve the mystery, so I felt that the emotional beats didn't quite land for me. I think this is in part that I know intellectually where he's at, but I don't quite feel who he is. Maybe that's the point! But, overall I think this is a solid and promising debut and I eagerly await more Cal and seeing where he develops as a character.
Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC.
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