I'm reviewing The Suspects ...

... a gripping psychological thriller written by Katharine Johnson.  Read on ...

As a reader, I choose books from all genres, and there is nothing I like more than a gripping tale involving murder.  I was especially pleased to find that fellow author Katharine Johnson was looking for reviews.  The Suspects was first published by Darkstroke Books in March 2019.  The closure of the publisher in September 2024 meant that Katharine had her rights returned to her, but she secured a new contract for the story with Bloodhound Books.  I’m honoured to have been asked to provide an honest review of the new and revised version, which is currently available for pre-order.

Beginning with the funeral of one of a group of friends who worked and shared a house together, the reader is immediately thrown into a situation where secrets and lies colour every thought, word and deed.  Under such circumstances, who can anyone trust? 

The story is told from Emily’s point of view.  We have her insights into the others within the group – Xanthe, Imogen, Stuart, Zak and, later in the book, Imogen’s boyfriend, Rick.  The friends are all trying to make successful careers in journalism, get a foothold on the property ladder, and find their way as individuals within their world in Bristol in 1988/89 and beyond.

As Emily questions what her friends tell her, as she uncovers some of the secrets being guarded by her housemates, the reader quickly learns that they each have their own agenda.  When a body is discovered in the basement of the old house in which they all live, it quickly becomes clear that whatever they decide as a group will live with them for the foreseeable future.

The central characters are all very well drawn.  The dynamics between them shift and change as the story moves forward and as their composite and sometimes single decisions and omissions impact the others.  The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader guessing until the very end.  Once the police become involved, the tension and the human dynamics within the group are stretched to the limits.  I found I couldn’t put this story down and can thoroughly recommend it as a great read.

You can get the book on Amazon and you can follow Katharine Here