Book Review: Peter Miles has to Die

Title: Peter Miles has to Die

Author: Katie Collom

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Collom's debut thriller packs a punch. It explores the deadly consequences of vigilante justice. The premise is deliciously unsettling—three friends commit what they believe is the perfect murder, only to discover that revenge comes with a soul-crushing price tag.

The narrative dances between the sweltering late '90s Texas setting where the murder occurs and the cold, unforgiving walls of the state penitentiary in the early 2000s. What haunted me wasn't figuring out who killed the corrupt cop—we know that from the start—but watching guilt slowly devour the characters from within as they realize there's no escaping what they've done. This structural choice creates a fascinating psychological exploration of how guilt affects each character differently in the aftermath of their violent act.

Against a backdrop of law enforcement sexism and discrimination, the story builds to a genuinely shocking twist that I never saw coming, leaving me both satisfied and disturbed in equal measure. 

A big thank you to Bantam Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Man Made of Smoke

Title: The Man Made of Smoke

Author: Alex North

Publisher: Celadon Books

Publication Date: May 13, 2025

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed Alex North's haunting psychological thriller that crept under my skin from the first chapter. It expertly blends childhood trauma with present-day mystery. The book introduces us to Dan Garvie, whose life has been shaped by a childhood brush with a serial killer that continues to haunt him into adulthood. When Dan returns to his small island community following his father's suspicious death, the narrative takes us on a journey that questions whether the monster from his past has returned. I found myself pulled into a world where past trauma bleeds into present danger.

While I initially struggled with the shifting timelines and perspectives without clear signposting, the disorientation soon gave way to appreciation for North's clever storytelling technique. The novel doesn't just tell you about trauma—it makes you feel it through its very structure.

Just when I thought I had the mystery solved and the killer identified, North delivered a surprising twist that left me stunned. North demonstrates a particular talent for weaving psychological insight into the fabric of the mystery, creating characters whose motivations feel authentic even as they surprise us.

Despite some initial challenges navigating the narrative, I found that persistence was amply rewarded with a thriller that delivers both emotional resonance and genuine surprise. For fans of psychological suspense with heart, "The Man Made of Smoke" is a compelling read.

A big thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Doorman

Title: The Doorman

Author: Chris Pavone

Publisher: MCD

Publication Date: May 20, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Doorman is a compelling thriller that artfully examines class divisions and other contemporary issues in New York City. Though it takes some time to build momentum, necessary to establish the intricate character dynamics and social context, once it finds its rhythm, the story builds up a head of steam that accelerated toward an explosive and seemingly inevitable conclusion.

The novel centers around Chicky Diaz, the beloved doorman at the prestigious Bohemia apartment building, and the residents whose lives intersect: Emily Longworth in her loveless marriage to a wealthy but morally bankrupt husband, aging art dealer Julian Sonnenberg, and the predominantly Black and Hispanic building staff. Against the backdrop of protests following a police shooting of a black man, Chicky makes the fateful decision to bring a gun to work, setting the stage for a night where secrets will be exposed.

Pavone skillfully weaves these diverse perspectives into a cohesive narrative that examines pressing social issues. The stark contrast between the privileged residents of the Bohemia and those who serve them creates a powerful lens through which to explore themes of race, class, and privilege in contemporary America. The author unflinchingly tackles topics including white privilege, police violence, right-wing extremism, homelessness, and the isolating bubble of extreme wealth.

What begins as a seemingly straightforward thriller evolves into something more complex and surprising. The plot delivers several unexpected twists that challenged my expectations and elevate the story beyond genre conventions. Pavone's sharp social commentary never feels heavy-handed, instead emerging organically through authentic characters and situations. By the climax, the various narrative threads converge in a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that justifies the careful setup.

A big thank you to MCD and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Cutting Ties

Title: Cutting Ties

Author: Andrew Barrett

Publisher: The Ink Foundry

Publication Date: April 3, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I just finished an advanced reader copy of "Cutting Ties," the third installment in Andrew Barrett's DS Regan Carter series, and I'm still catching my breath. This novel picks up exactly where the previous book left off, plunging readers back into the gritty streets of Leeds where corruption remains as deeply rooted as the city's history.

While it starts somewhat slower than its predecessor, don't be fooled—once Barrett shifts into high gear, the narrative transforms into an unsto
ppable locomotive of tension and suspense. This installment delves deeper into Carter's personal history, revealing crucial details about her parents and the tragic death of her brother that shapes her present motivations.

DS Carter herself remains a compelling protagonist—fiery, rebellious, and willing to bend or even break rules to achieve justice, though never crossing into the corruption that plagues her colleagues. Her character's strength lies in this moral complexity, making her both relatable and unpredictable as she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Leeds police force.

DS Carter remains fiery and rebellious, willing to bend rules for justice without falling into the corruption surrounding her. Her character's strength lies in this moral complexity, making her both relatable and unpredictable as she navigates the treacherous landscape of the Leeds police force. 

Barrett's unflinching portrayal of morally complex characters continues to impress, with authentic dialogue and a narrative where corruption touches both present and past. As Carter finds herself caught between her mother's betrayal and a killer's ambition, we finally glimpse her vulnerability before the story ends on a perfect cliffhanger.

A big thank you to the author for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I'm already counting down the days until I can follow DS Carter on her next adventure!