For the best part of this book I was simply confused. And not in a good sense, like “who did it” confused. More like: is this a part of a series or stand-alone book? Is it going to be any better or I’ll be forever bored with it and forget about it the minute I finish this novel? There was nothing that would convince me I want to read other books by this author and being completely honest I wouldn't have even finished this one if it wasn’t for writing the review on NetGalley.

There were two timelines in the book: one in 1997 following Ben in the months leading to his deaths and twenty two years later in which we can see the detective's work in trying to figure out what has actually happened to him all those years ago. Frankly, I liked neither of them. In Ben’s part I was dragged through boarding school for rich kids in which I’ve barely met three or four of them - not very much of a character building there. In the police work timeline I saw them trying to uncover what I already started to know (thanks to Ben’s parts) and mostly struggling with too many politicians trying to get their agenda in the investigation. The only personal part of this whole book was Fleet’s interactions with his ex-wife. And let me tell you that this whole thing didn’t make any sense at all. I don’t want to spoil anything here, but I’d prefer there was nothing at all of his personal life than this.

It was almost painful to read this book. Throughout its however many pages there’s nothing really happening. No interesting characters, no ground-breaking developments. And the author's attempts at building suspense were absolutely laughable. They didn’t make me want to know what was coming next or what did the investigator think about. It was only adding to my growing frustration and made me like this book even less. Between that and no characters’ depth I would say I don’t recommend this book to anyone at all.

First book I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Good storyline and it kept me interested from start to finish. Kept me guessing until the end. Liked the relationship between the two main detectives .
I look forward to reading more from Simon Lelic .

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the arc of this book The Hiding Place by Simon Lelic.

4 star read- I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book it was a gripping, page turner had me on the edge of my seat VIBE! I was obsessed and I was hooked! Very well written and I totally recommend this to anyone!

It pains me to say, as I have always loved this author, but I really struggled to connect with this book

I struggled quite a lot with the characters. I really like to get to know a character, but I felt that the author never really let us in to know the two police officers It wasn’t clear that this was second in a series.

The storyline was cryptic and this read like a Peter james novel for me, who is one of my favourite authors

There was just something missing for me.

I will not be posting my review to any sites as I do not want to out anyone off for something that I can’t quite put my finger on

Brilliant twisty little thriller had me hooked from page one and the ending was not to be missed, will look out for more from the author!

An ok read
I did finish it but it wasn’t one of my favourites
It won’t put me off reading more by this author
Thanks NetGalley

A thrilling read. A real page Turner as D I Robin Fleet and DS Nicola Collins start to investigate a murder at a boarding school over twenty years later after an anonymous tip off. It is told in both the present day and from the time of the murder which is very interesting with lots of things coming to light and sees them chasing leads that become dangerous especially for one of them.A great read from the beginning and highly recommended

Really enjoyed this, it whips along at a great pace with twists and intrigue and a good sense of 'whodunnit'. Interesting characters, the detectives are quite likeable and don't always see what's coming which gives it a good sense of realism. I enjoyed the dual timelimes, 22 years apart so memories can be hazy but not totally forgotten. Great plot, always crucial and this book delivers. I've read others Simon Lelic books and recommend, as I do this one!

I always enjoy Simon Lelic’s books as I think he writes with a good pace, an interesting plot and excellent characterisation - this book is no exception. I liked the two time frames: Ben the troubled adolescent who we know comes to a sticky end but don’t know why and the current timeframe of the police investigation. Obviously there is an element of whodunnit but that isn’t what drives the book. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

A dark mystery set over two timelines, 1997 and the present day. I found the pace too slow for a crime thriller but I liked the detective characters and their teamwork.

Four friends, one murder! A game they can’t escape
This is an enjoyable read, the 2nd book I have read from this author and it didn’t disappoint. This book kept me interested from start to finish, I wasn’t gripped by it but found it easy to put down and pick up and carry on reading around day to day life.

Set in 2 timelines back to 1997 and present day, we flit between the 2 as the story unfolds. Twists and turns had me switching theories a few times before the reveal

All in all a good read

Found it too long winded. Not enough action and when there was action it was way too wordy.

Liked the twist. But then the ending just did not hit the spot. Not sure why as it’s my kind of book but just did not get with it at all.

A brilliant story with a dark storyline, well written and really interesting, also had some great mouth dropping moment. Gripping stuff.

I quite enjoyed this book!
A story about childhood abandonment, manipulation and places where that can lead you.

The story was nicely paced, well thought-out and the main characters down to earth and relatable. The rest - not so much!

I could not wait to finish it, it really kicked off during the last 30% or so and had to sacrifice sleep to get further along!

It oddly felt like a part of a series with a start I missed and a continuation to follow - maybe that’s just how I felt!

Nothing much to add, but a solid police thriller :)

Thank you, NetGalley for the arc!

A thoroughly gripping and enjoyable read. I enjoyed the two storylines which came together brilliantly at the end and I didn’t work out who had done it. Recommended.

I really liked the timeline it was narrated in as you follow the story/ plot through it just added that extra edge and suspense to the book. We get to hear from Bens POV from his time at boarding school and up-till his death and then from DI Fleet following the investigation through. At times you feel like there are some unanswered questions and potential gaps but it all comes together dramatically as the story concludes.

The Hiding Place by Simon Lelic was another brilliant book I was gripped from the beginning till the end. Simon is an author that will have you guesting right till the end chapters - when you think you have worked the book out Bang You are being pulled back into the book! Just brilliant

I highly recommend this latest book by Simon.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK,

I’ve read two of Simon Lelic’s books previously and enjoyed both of them, but I think The Hiding Place is the best. It’s the second book featuring D I Robin Fleet and D S Nicola Collins, first seen in The Search Party.

It’s set across two timelines – 1997 when Ben Draper, a 14 year-old teenager with a troubled background, and a history of absconding from school, started at Beaconsfield, a prestigious boarding school. He is bullied, disliked and feels shunned and despised, but he does make three friends, Callum, Lance and Melissa. Longing to be accepted, he thinks they are his friends, but then he is drawn unwillingly into their plot to damage the school. After playing a game of Hide and Seek with them, that ended in terror, he went missing and his body was never found. Until, that is, in the present day, when his skeleton was found in an abandoned crypt in the school grounds – Fleet and Collins are assigned to investigate the case.

I was soon thoroughly gripped by this book as it moves between the two time periods. The detectives interview the headmaster, who seems to be more concerned about the school’s reputation than about finding out what had happened to Ben. The investigation is made more difficult as Callum is now a well-known TV celebrity and aspiring politician, which means the case is potentially a political scandal and that Fleet’s hands are tied. The detectives efforts to trace the other two pupils, Lance and Melissa are also hampered.

What emerges is a fantastic story, with many complications, red herrings and plot twists. Lelic is a terrific storyteller and writes a really compelling story that moves along at a fast pace. It is full of tension and suspense that kept me enthralled.The characterisation and the school setting, surrounded by thick woodland full of ancient trees and a graveyard, are excellent. I really like Fleet, and the way he stands up to his boss, Superintendent Burton, a yes man whose main concern is to keep the politicians happy. It examines the problems caused by loneliness and feelings of being a misfit in an unfeeling elitist education system where bullying and manipulation is largely unchecked. I was never sure how it would end, or who was responsible for Ben’s death until the final dramatic conclusion. I think it is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

This is the third Simon Lelic I've read and I've loved them all. It kept me guessing and although I guessed the big reveal it was still a gripping book. I would definitely recommend this and read others by this author

This is the second novel I have read which features DI Fleet and I enjoyed it as much as the first instalment.

In this story DI Fleet is working on a cold case from over 20 years ago of a missing young boy, Ben from a public school. He was never found and mystery surrounded his disappearance during a game of hide and seek. DI Fleet and team start to dig deeper into Ben’s friends and life at the school at the time which in turn becomes a dangerous game of trying to catch the killer when a body buried in a crypt turns up.

Again a well written story and I cant wait for the next instalment with DI Fleet.