Clare Mackintosh is another of my go to favourite authors & I have to read anything she has written as soon as I can!
Loved this latest one in the series & can’t wait to read more!

FROM THE COVER📖

The Hill is the kind of place everyone wants to live: luxurious, exclusive and safe. But now someone is breaking and entering these Cheshire homes one by one, and DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar is looking for something, or someone, in particular.

Over the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan recovers the body of an estate agent from the lake. There's no love lost between Ffion and estate agents, but who hated this one enough to want her dead - and why?

As their cases collide, Ffion and Leo discover people will pay a high price to keep their secrets behind closed doors . . .

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third in the DC Ffion Morgan police procedural, taking place on the border between Wales and England. It is a great addition to the series. While it is the third it doesn't give too much away from the previous books only mere hints so could be read as a standalone or even as a first however you would be doing yourself a great injustice doing that as you would miss out the progression of the characters, the little nuances hinted at the outstanding writing and plots from the previous books.

The plot here in simple terms is DS Leo Brady is called on to investigate a series of burglaries on The Hill, a residential area of luxury homes where Cheshire’s wealthiest (and often unhappiest) live. Strangely, there seems to be a connection with the case across the border in Wales, where his lover DC Ffion Morgan is investigating the murder of an estate agent staying in a holiday let on a jolly with her workmates. As secrets from the past are uncovered, a web of corruption, lies and betrayals begins to unfold

The so called cold case is so intricately plotted and interwoven with both of the cases it makes for up all night reading, furthermore the superb dialogue adds interest and humour to this multi layered story that sees the cases collide. While this has elements of being a character lead book it is very much set among a strong procedural. Clare gets the balance just right in her writing her characters are strong and you can not help like them, both leads have progressed really well I loved catching up with them, within this story we hear a lot more about Leo and his background which made a change from hearing mainly about Ffion. There is a cast of suspects which for me are based on a format that comes from Queen Agatha Clare adds a modern take on these but there are nods to classic crime writing not only the characters but the motives, secrets and settings, very clever writing.

Told in 3rd POV mixed in blog posts the plot moves at good pace and doesn't do that stupid end of chapter cliff hanger that becomes nothing in the next, it moves well and reads without confusion. The blogs post are written well and add to the story while they are maybe not quite as good as the likes of Cara Hunters amazing multi media story telling format that make, you feel part of the police team ,they are well written and solid they no split the story or deflect from it, this is common feature present in a lot books now I feel that a few writers make it truly work but am glad to say Clare has made it more than work.

As with a lot series of book there is an element of formulaic writing and format however unlike a lot of series Clare manages to keep each book unique, the always feel fresh and in no way have that copy and paste feel.

On and all I have to say this was one of the best ARKs I read last year, it is a masterclass in how a good crime book should be written it for me has everything. The ending left me yet again patiently waiting for the next instalment

Five stars plus

This was the third instalment in the DC Ffion Morgan series and it didn’t disappoint. Having previously read and enjoyed the first two I was excited to start this.

There was a good storyline and it was told in multiple POV’s. I did find there were lots of characters in the book and I had to remember who lived with who and where which I did find to be a bit confusing at times. There were also some pod casts bits which I didn’t enjoy as much as they stopped my reading flow but I did understand why they were part of the storyline.

I liked how the crime’s interweaved together linking Ffion and Leo’s cases too. Honestly, it had me turning the pages quickly trying to prove myself right with my theories but then a twist would appear and of course I was wrong, many times.

I really enjoyed reading this instalment and I’m hoping to read more adventures with Ffion, Leo and of course Dave.

Thank you to Netgalley me the publisher for ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is the first book I've read by the author and it was only after starting it realised it is the third in a series. To this end, while it was readable as a stand alone I am guessing there are some subtleties I may be missing with regard to the main central characters judging by other reader reviews (I didn't, for example, find the protagonist Ffion Morgan to be 'loveable, unpredictable' as described by the publisher, in this particular story, but maybe I'd have done so more if I'd read the first two...?)
I don't tend to read much present tense in crime fiction: not that I deliberately avoid the style, but more just from its lack of common use, so the style used in this book, mixed alongside the social media/ blog post approach took me a little bit to settle into - I know from speaking to a number of readers this can be off putting to some: I can confirm that it is used very sparingly in this book.
Plot wise it's a small town/ small scale crime piece which takes place in a semi-exclusive community - that's not meant as a criticism, merely to point out that we're talking a couple of murders, not brutal serial killings, and murders when they happen or are described are PG - above cozy, but in no way graphic. Language is generally the same - a few swears but nothing really offensive.
Clearly, the author has a huge following - in general and looking at the other reviews, of this series in particular and I'm sure this is going to be as popular with them as the first two books that preceded it.

This is a fabulous series and one that just keeps getting better. I thoroughly enjoyed another visit with Ffion. Leo and especially Dave the dog (secretly my actual favourite character, and according to the credits the favourite of the author also!)

In this book the relationship between Ffion and Leo is still tremulous and teeters on the brink of failure and success. During an investigation of a cold case and another involving current crime in the area a multitude of characters bring a fabulous crime drama to life. Leo’s ex features in this book more as part of the current investigation and a nail biting ending involving a suspect and a child kidnap makes enthralling reading.

The characters are brilliant and I loved hearing about their current cases and the thrall they all were wrapped up in with the true crime podcast, I enjoyed the writing style very much. The plot lines were cleverly detailed and provided lots of clues which wrapped up in epic style at the end with the promise of more to come. The last chapter sets the story up nicely for the next book and I can’t wait for their next adventures.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another action packed outing for Welsh crime fighter, Detective Ffion Morgan and her Cheshire CID based boyfriend detective Leo Brady. The pair are busy as always investigating their own cases when a popular true crime podcast seems to have links to both their cases. As the story progresses the twists, turns and connections lead to a humdinger of a finale which will not disappoint.
Clare's experiences as a police officer brings a real authenticity to everything she writes. As well as writing thrilling crime fiction she manages to instil real humour in her writing through the hilarious exploits of Leo's social climbing ex wife Allie not to mention those of Dave the dog! Definitely a series that is going from strength to strength and one I hope continues for more than a few books yet.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This is the third installement in the DC Morgan series, and oh my goodness did it deliver!
A true 'whodunnit' story with an array of intriguing characters that really does keep you on the edge of your seat, even as the story begins to unfold.
Fantastic!

I really enjoy this series. This is another 5 star for me. Ffion is such a realistic, relatable character. And her relationship with Leo is flawed and believable.
I love the work dynamic between her and George and this case showed off all the supporting characters really well.
Congrats Clare MackIntosh on another fab instalment in this series.

This is the third book in the DC Ffion Morgan series and they only get better. I can’t say that about a lot of series. Set on the border of north Wales and England (pretty much where I live), I’m completely invested in Ffion and Leo and all the characters that have grown on me. It’s like returning to an old friend when one of these books is released. If you’re looking for a detective series to keep you gripped and to make you smile and roll your eyes and get angry and learn to love…this is what you need. Clare Mack does it again!

Oh thank you so much for the privilege of allowing me to read an early copy! It was so so good to be back reading about Ffion and Leo! Full of twists, it kept me guessing. Once again an absolute masterpiece from Clare Mackintosh, she never ever disappoints!

I loved the first in the DC Morgan series and was a bit meh on the second, so really didn't know what to expect from Other People's Houses.

Set mostly in and around a wealthy housing estate called The Hill in Cheshire on DS Brady's patch, the book pulls together three disparate narrative strands: the death of an estate agent while on a team awayday in Wales, which Ffion Morgan is tasked with investigating, a series of burglaries on The Hill which Leo Brady is looking into, and the cold case murders of a middle aged couple in Cheshire a decade ago, which is now the subject of a successful podcast. Throw in the complicating factor that Leo's ex-wife and co-parent, the socially climbing Allie, now lives close to The Hill, and you have a recipe for a complex and enjoyable police procedural.

I continue to find Ffion more irritating than endearing, but Leo makes up for that and Allie makes a superbly awful antagonist to them both.

4.5 stars: highly recommended.

I absolutely love Clare Mackintosh books and was delighted to get an early copy of her newest book Other People’s Houses. As expected, I was not disappointed and simply could not put the book down once I started! Another triumph from Mackintosh and eagerly look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

This has become my favourite crime fiction series and one of my absolute favourite authors.

DC Ffion Morgan is back, this time investigating the death of a real estate agent. Over the border, DS Leo Brady is investigating some break-ins at a luxurious and exclusive estate, the Hill. As their cases collide, Ffion and Leo discover the lengths people will go to in order to hide their secrets.

Two of my absolute favourite detectives and another perfectly woven tale by the author, that I just could not get through quickly enough. And Dave the dog, bringing lots of entertainment🐾The way in which the author integrated the different threads of the story and the timing was just impeccable, making the story not just compelling and completely immersive, but so easy to follow and a complete joy to read. Lots of twists and turns and I could not guess the way in which this one was heading. I am so excited to see what happens next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Other People’s Houses - Clare Mackintosh

This series just keeps getting better and better!

No spoilers here, but the characters have really grown on me - interspersed with the occasional Welsh word - and it’s a thrilling ride as ever to the dramatic conclusion.

I heard this might be the last we see of this series…..I hope not - but add it to your ‘To Be Read’ pile - I guarantee it won’t disappoint!

Twists, turns, surprises - it’s when domestic fiction gets good!!

It feels good to start a new year with a book that you know will have you turning the pages and be a compelling read. With that in mind, I started my reading year with Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh, knowing that this author was highly likely to satisfy my needs. I was not disappointed.
This is book 3 of the Ffion Morgan/Leo Brady detective series set in border country between Wales and England. As I live in Cheshire and I'm in the process of moving house, there was a lot to like for me.

The premise is a good one. Unusual burglaries on The Hill, an exclusive housing development in Cheshire, corrupt estate agents, plus details of a cold case that goes back years. Naturally, we get the feeling these plot lines will all cross at some point. The mystery had me guessing all the way through and changing my mind only to be foiled again. Characters are well formed and this time around, I even had some sympathy for Leo's ex-wife at the hands of those who lived further up the hill. What a despicable bunch! I loved some of the descriptions - 'enough product to make his hair look like a lego mini fig model,' was one that had me hooting with laughter.

At the end it played out as anticipated but was no less entertaining as a result.

I love this series by Clare and it's hard to say whether this or book 1 - The Last Party is my favourite. I can't wait to read the next instalment.

Am a big fan of Clare Macintosh, even though this is third in the series it could be read as a standalone. It's a fast-paced police procedural, I could figure out the outcome much before yet found it interesting . The author cleverly connected the 2 individual cases and the cold case from the podcast . Overall it's a great read. I thank netgalley and littlebrownukgroup for the eARC copy.

This was so so so good! Mackintosh just keeps getting better and better. The plot is gripping, the characters well rounded. An excellent read to begin 2025 with!

This series gets better and better. The writing is always excellent, the setting is well described, and the blending of Welsh and Cheshire cases is adroitly handled. In addition to the fascinating stories, the relationship between Ffion and Leo adds an extra frisson of drama. I love it!

Continuing the momentum of the previous Ffion Morgan novels, Other People's Houses is an excellent murder mystery combined with the heart and care that comes from creating characters we truly love and understand, and are now invested in. I feel as though character development was at the forefront of this novel, with no one left behind. Even the dog gets a bit of drama!
The perfect read!

Other People’s Houses was Unputdownable!

DC Ffion Morgan – Tourist season is in full swing in Cwm Coed when the body of a real estate agent – in town for a team-building weekend – is found floating in a kayak. Was her death the result of an accidental drowning? Or murder?

DS Leo Brady – Meanwhile, over the border in Cheshire Leo is dealing with a spate of burglaries in an upscale street known as The Hill.

Once again, Ffion and Leo both have their work cut out for them.

And what is the connection to the ten-year-old case of a married couple murdered in their own home? Presently the subject of a successful podcast #WithoutConviction, currently on its fourth season.

Just like the two previous books in this addictive series, I have no hesitation rating Other People’s Houses five stars. What a book! The mystery plot was multi-layered and as much as I tried to puzzle everything out, I was unsuccessful. There was a gasp-out loud-on-my-part twist three quarters of the way through that turned everything on its head, and the final reveal and the resulting fallout was pulse-pounding, action-packed, fast-paced and emotional. This instalment took place over a week, Sunday to Sunday, with some flashback reveals toward the end, and an epilogue/wrap-up of the remaining cliffhangers set a week later.

As you would expect, Ffion and Leo were the main narrators, and I relished spending more time in both their heads. Such great characters with amazing chemistry. Leo‘s snobby and manipulative ex-wife Allie (mother to his seven-year-old son Harris) was the third frequent narrator, with a connection to The Hill. Well, at least she was trying to form a connection, desperately and unsuccessfully inserting herself into the lives of the elite and sophisticated women of The Hill to elevate her social status. A unique way to give readers the inside track regarding the behaviour and secrets of The Hill families. Then there were the social media posts with fans of the podcast #WithoutConviction speculating on the cold case – a scandalous and welcome addition. My third favourite character, George, returned, along with a massive revelation from her past. Dave (Ffion’s dog) also featured prominently and was even given his own story arc.

In regards, to the crime/mystery plot, Other People’s Houses could be read as a standalone but given the abundance of recurring characters and their backstories if I were you, I would start at the beginning with The Last Party. Besides, Ffion and Leo’s meet cute, and slow-burn relationship is a must read. I’m crossing my fingers Clare Mackintosh intends to continue this series. There was nothing in the acknowledgements to indicate that this was the last book. And given that there were some things hinted at that weren’t addressed in this instalment, and because it ended on a tantalising note, I’m hoping there’s still more to come.

I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Little Brown Book Group UK, and Clare Mackintosh for the e-ARC.

Release Date: 27th February 2025.