This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, I had to get stuck straight in, and it absolutely delivered.

Sam Holland does not hold back. She puts her characters through hell and somehow still makes you care deeply for every one of them, even as they unravel.

The tension in this one is immediate. From the first chapter, I was completely immerse in that dark, gritty world she writes so well. It’s relentless in the best way. Every page adds more urgency, more danger, and somehow, more emotional weight.

I was so happy we got more Griffin, he’s been a quiet favourite of mine, and this book gave him room to shine (and suffer, naturally). I felt so much reading this - dread, hope, frustration, grief, and of course, that desperate need to find out what happens next.

The balance between character depth and plot is spot-on. It’s intense, emotionally charged, and tightly written - easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year.

But don’t even think about reading it without picking up the earlier books first. This series demands to be read in order, and trust me, it’s so worth it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I haven't read the earlier books in this series but will most definitely do so. I really enjoyed this book, although the female main character frustrated me at times.

I will definitely be adding this author to my list of favourites.

Thank you NetGalley for the Arc The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland in return for my honest review.
This is the forth book in the series and I would highly recommend reading them in order as the story lines overlap I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
This is a brilliantly written fasted paced thriller that had me hooked from the beginning till the end and what an end it was. I really hope this isn’t the last we hear from Cara and her team. I will be recommending this series to everyone just totally brilliant.

A sure-fire 5 star read for me and another excellent addition to this brilliant series.

This is the fourth in the Major Crimes Series and the fourth I have read and I have found that they have just got better and better. I really do feel you need to have read some of the others in the story -at least the first in the series, The Echo Man, to keep up with it however, it's not essential and, I think I would have enjoyed this even if it was my first and it would have made me go back and read the others.

It has everything you would want from a dark and gritty serial killer story; it's full of excellent characters, it's non-stop pace with plenty of action, tension, suspense, thrills, twists and a sick serial killer. This is definitely not for those who don't like reading graphic scenes of death - there were definitely bits that made me shiver and wince and it takes a lot to do that so be warned!!

Highly, highly recommended and I must thank the author, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this riveting book.

I chose to read a free eARC of The Countdown Killer but that has in no way influenced my review.

Wow! Just...wow! I need a lie-down after finishing The Countdown Killer. I have so much to say about this book but where do I start? How about here? This is one of my favourite books of 2025. Without a doubt, one of the best serial killer thrillers I have read in a long time. It's so twisted, it's so dark and delightfully intense, it's so completely unexpected and thrilling. So utterly propulsive and nigh-on impossible to tear yourself away from.

Gosh, I loved it. But then, the entire series is something really quite special. And different, I think. Sometimes serial killer thrillers can become a little samey. Not the Major Crimes series. Holland mixes things up and gives a different take on the norm. For example, the first book in the series featured DCI Cara Elliot and her brother, DS Nate Griffin. The second book in the series, The Twenty, features a completely different police pairing - DCI Adam Bishop and DS Jamie Hoxton, with Elliot only being mentioned in passing. I really liked that. I thoroughly enjoyed that the series was about the Team, not the individual. The third and fourth books feature characters the reader has become familiar with but situations, as in life, are always changing. Things happen. Often in the world of the Major Crimes team those 'things' can be quite catastrophic. It keeps the reader on their toes, keep you interested and engaged.

As I mentioned, this is the fourth book in the series. Sure, you could probably read it as a standalone if that's your thing but I would heartily recommend starting with the first book, The Echo Man, and reading each book in order. So much has happened to these characters in the short space of four novels. So much has changed and the author has developed her characters beautifully. I feel I know these people and that's why, when something shocking happens (as is the norm in Holland's books), I feel it too. You will feel more invested if you read this series from the beginning. Also, The Countdown Killer picks up a storyline that was left as a cliffhanger in the first book. I've been wondering for two books now when the author was going to address that particular loose end and oh my gosh, address it she does!

The characters are superb. Some I've loved from the moment I met them. Some have grown on me over time. I feel I've lived their journey alongside them, which is the mark of a brilliant writer. When I'm reading their stories, they feel real to me and I love that. Holland does not shy away from really pushing her characters to their limits which is another thing I really appreciate. I often feel in crime fiction that there's sometimes a hesitancy there, a reluctance to really shock the reader. You don't get that with Sam Holland's books and I find it refreshing.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Countdown Killer is a superb addition to a brilliant series. If I was going to write a novel THIS is the novel I would want to write. The characters are believable and despite their flaws (or perhaps 'because' of their flaws), I have really warmed to them over the course of the four books. The plot is so immersive, completely gripping and the tension is built to palpable heights. There are a number of completely shocking, gasp-inducing moments throughout the book. One I'm still trying to come to terms with. There is so much going on in this book but it's all very easy to follow (particularly if you're familiar with the series). The characters are pushed to their limits, flailing around looking for a lead, something they can start building a case on. But no matter what direction they take, there's nothing. And all the while, the clock is ticking. The number of gruesome deaths increasing. It's SO good. I felt it was written for me. This is the type of crime fiction I adore and Sam Holland has quickly become one of my 'must-read' authors. I love how she tells a story. All in all, The Countdown Killer is one of the best books I've read this year. Gruesome, relentless and highly compelling. Dark and twisted bliss and I loved every second of it! Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Countdown Killer. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

OH. MY. GOD. This book?? Absolutely unputdownable. It was absolutely BRILLIANT. Sam Holland has officially mastered the art of the serial killer thriller, and The Countdown Killer might just be her best yet. The premise alone gave me chills—a killer filming murders and sending to the police every 48 hours, and the next victim? A police officer. No pressure, right?

DCI Cara Elliott is back and better than ever—tough, sharp, and completely under siege as she races to stop the countdown before someone she loves ends up dead. The tension is relentless. Every chapter cranks the pressure higher, and I honestly couldn’t read it fast enough.

I loved how this book brought together so many familiar faces from the series—Griffin, Jamie, Adam—and the emotional stakes felt huge. There’s so much history here, and it all comes to a head in the most gripping way — it felt like the ultimate crossover episode but in book form and with a body count 😂 Every chapter was intense, twisty, and somehow still managed to hit you in the feelings.

Sam Holland balances the brutal and the emotional so well. The crime scenes are dark and disturbing (as always), but the heart of this book is the connection between the characters. I laughed, I gasped, I maybe almost cried once 👀

If you’ve followed the Major Crimes series, this one is a must-read finale. And if you haven’t started yet—buckle up, you’re in for one hell of a ride.

This was completely enthralling! I am slightly sad that I did not realize that this was the fourth book in the series (though I already have the first book ready to read right away after this!) but it did not detract from the immediate hooking of my attention in The Countdown Killer! I must say, Cara and Griffin and the rest of the officers are amazing with working together to find this latest serial killer, who has worked under their noses for years and may be connected to other killers. The action goes quick, and even as more bodies show up, they still keep working to unravel all the twists this case takes. And it does get really dark what with the films that have very graphic deaths, though there is justice in that (at least according to the killer). This was very hard to put down and I did really enjoy all the twists that I did not see coming. I am looking very much forward to reading the rest of the series now and I do not mind already knowing bits mentioned in this book (I am sure it will still be a wild ride!) I also can't wait to see what is next for Cara and Griffin, though I think they deserve some rest and relaxation after all that happens in the hunt for this long time serial killer!

This is the 4th in the Major Crimes series, and I can not rate this highly enough. I am shocked at what I read and how incredible it was. To fully appreciate the series, you must read them in order.

After a mysterious package is dropped off at the main desk, the team are drawn into finding who they believe is a hired killer. As the case goes on, Cara wonders if this case is somehow linked to The Echo Man.

After the cliffhanger at the end of book 3, I couldn't wait to read this book. At book 4, I am now fully invested in these characters, which are so excellently written. I personally think this is the best book in the series, and I literally could not put it down. I was up in the early hours finishing it, I was absolutely gripped.

I have read hundreds of crime thrillers books, and this book and series are definitely one of the best I have ever read.

This is the forth book in the major crime series following DCI Cara Elliott and her team, it’s actually the first one I’ve read and I’m now desperate to go back and read the first three.

It was a well written thriller, pacy with a lot of tension and Sam Holland doesn’t shy away from graphic scenes.

Cara is a strong lead character and I would love to see her development from the previous books and see it in the next one.

Although it was the fourth in the series and there are a lot of references to previous events, there was enough information mentioned so I didn’t feel lost and not too much to spoil the books before.

A disturbing recording is dropped off at the police station which leads to the teams next murder case. A killer has been active for years leaving multiple victims and without raising suspicion. Whilst investigating Cara finds a link to one of her previous cases and her actions put a member of her team at risk.

I loved this book for the plot, writing as well as the characters.

I’ve been waiting with anticipation for the next instalment from Sam Holland & featuring DCI Cara Elliott especially since the cliff hanger ending from book 3 the puppet master, & Sam Holland has done it again and created a novel I truly could not stop reading, it’s not for the faint hearted and is truly grizzly in places but what I like most about this series is all the characters are flawed they are all dealing with their own demons but they still manage to work together to bring the bad guys to justice and this story definitely keeps you guessing right to the end. I’m not sure if there will be anymore of this series but I hope there will be.

A man has been murdered and it was filmed live on camera and delivered on DVD to the police station. DCI Cara Elliot and is determined to get to the bottom of the Murders. When a police officer is taken the countdown is on to find him before the time runs out and he becomes another victim.

This book was brilliant and the best one in the series so far 😍 (they're all brilliant) A flew through this and just couldn't stop reading it was fast paced with so many twists and turns. I had no idea what to expect. I would highly recommend this series 🤩 (read them in order starting with The Echo Man)

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and Sam Holland for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2025/06/05/review-the-countdown-killer-major-crimes-4-by-sam-holland/
My Five Work TL:DR Review: Seriously, My Favourite of Series

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series by Sam Holland. No.3, The Puppet Master was so good but The Countdown Killer takes the biscuit. I could not put this down. It’s so good. It’s fast paced, brutal, dark, the characters are developing so well and it’s just compelling. I will say, at this stage in the series I think if you’re wanting to read this author I’d start at the beginning of the series. The books simply go from strength to strength, the character growth is excellent and frankly, though you could probably read all of these as standalones I think you would miss the depth that starting at the beginning really delivers.

Once again we have the winning combination of Cara and Griffin. As the story begins I think the whole Major Crimes unit are looking forward to something of a break, they’re all a little worn thin to be sure, but with the delivery of a CD to the station, their hopes are about to be dashed. The CD is apparently a snuff film but although it at first appears to be an easy one off case to solve that is far from the truth.

So, i’m not going to expand on the plot because this is an absolute corker and has to be discovered in the moment, no clues from me, no sirree.

Why this is so good.

Well, firstly, this is book four and so not only am I totally immersed in the characters and their jobs but It also feels very much like the author is in full swing. Like she has a purpose and knows wheres she’s taking us readers and her cast.

The tension is really ratcheted up for this one. The crimes are quite brutal so I’m just going to warn you about that. This is one dark and twisted story. And, of course, by book 4, I’m totally invested in the characters so for a large part of this story my heart was in my throat. Not even kidding.

The pacing is fast. Again, I think this author is a tricksy so and so, she throws everything at you and gives you little time to consider what’s going on or who the culprit might be.

The story is totally gripping. If you start this one I actually defy you to put it down. Negative. Not possible. I needed to stay up and keep reading.

And the writing is great. Everything flows well, I literally didn’t have a single little niggle.

In conclusion, I can’t recommend this series enough and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland is a chilling, fast-paced thriller that hooked me from page one. With sharp twists, a compelling main character and an atmosphere filled with tension, it’s everything a great crime novel should be. Smart, suspenseful, and deeply unsettling — a must-read for fans of this series and psychological thrillers in general (although I do recommend reading the others first, particularly The Echo Man).

I’ve been a massive fan of Sam Holland and the Major Crimes series ever since I picked up The Twenty.

The Countdown Killer only emphasizes what a brilliant author Sam Holland is. As this book is electrifying, gruesome, and truly unputdownable.

It follows the Major Crimes team as they search for a serial killer after a DVD is handed in, showing a man being murdered in the most brutal way possible. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

As the team led by DCI Cara Elliott tries to find a killer seemingly paid to exact justice on those who have gotten away with heinous crimes.

But a startling discovery sends Cara down a dark path, bringing her face to face with the Echo Man.

However, it soon becomes clear that he is the least of their worries. When a team member is abducted by the killer they are desperately hunting. And they are now in a race against time to save them.

And with shocking moments, twists, and turns, this is a story you need to read. Which is why I would happily recommend it to everyone.

Wow.

Didn't realise this was part of a series of books.

I went to read the whole set but this is certainly best of the lot. Major twist and very highly recommend

Wowza what a brilliant and captivating read! This book is dark, gritty, and shocking, in the best possible way.

I have been a great admirer of Sam Holland since The Echo Man, which remains one of my favourite books, so I was thrilled to hear this was a continuation of that case. And this book certainly delivered! While I found Echo Man to be twisty and shocking, this one surpasses it. If you enjoy a well-crafted serial killer story with surprising twists, this is a must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

WOW what a dark and grisly thriller surrounding the issue of snuff videos,one is delivered to the main character and how farsome evil people will go for their kicks
Fast paced,intense and got to say scary,a book you cant/ wont forget

This is book 4 of the Major Crimes series and, as per usual, to get the best from it, you do need to start from the beginning and read in order. If you haven't already done this, as certain things in this book carry on from shenanigans in the first book - The Echo Man - and its aftermath, I really do recommend you at least read that one first.
In this book we follow DCI Cara Elliott and her team as they investigate another really nasty case. An old lady handed in a DVD that she found in her late husband's effects that they really need to see. What they then witness on film is shocking to say the very least. It appears that someone has been abducted, tortured, and then, after verbal confirmation, executed in an extremely brutal way. Start to finish 2 days.
Further investigation brings more of the same and then a live target. The clock is started, the police have 48 hours to save one of their own...
Quite how the Echo Man is involved in this book I will leave you to discover for yourself. Suffice to say that this case brings up a lot of bad memories for Cara, Nate and the rest of the team and there's quite a few secrets divulged which splits the pack so to speak. It delivers double the book I was expecting as you have the nasty torture snuff film case intermingled with connections back to the Echo Man. Tension really ramps up as we race to a rather shocking, but wholly satisfying, conclusion which left me reeling.
It's fast paced and doesn't really leave much respite for the reader, just enough to keep things from getting too over the top dark, but it is pretty brutal all the way through. The author definitely knows how to ramp up the tension and intrigue and compel the reader to carry on.
All in all, a cracking read and a great example of the genre. If you do go on to read these books, and enjoy them, I would also recommend you check out the author's other books, writing as Louisa Scarr. Not as brutal, but just as good.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

My thanks to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Countdown Killer’ written by Sam Holland in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

An elderly lady drops off a DVD at Southampton Police Station’s Major Crimes Unit and as DCI Cara Elliott and her team watch it they realise it shows a particularly gruesome snuff film that viewers are paying to view. Cara doesn’t know the identity of the killer but realises that time is limited before the next victim is chosen, but what she doesn’t know is that the killer is watching her.

‘The Countdown Killer’ is the truly gripping story of a killer who enjoys subjecting their victims to the most horrific and violent of deaths and with little evidence to work with DI Cara Elliott knows she’s not going to be able to stop the killing unless Noah Deakin, jailed for being the Echo Man, gives her information. I can’t understand how this is the first book I’ve read by this author as it’s exactly the type of thriller I enjoy, although the blood and gore had me cringing at times, and the suspense and tension built up so perfectly it was impossible to stop reading. I agree with Sam that the Noisy Lobster is a great restaurant with an amazing view of Avon Beach, and I liked reading of the enjoyable evening Griffin and Brody had there. It’s an incredibly well-written thriller with multiple twists and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat unable to let go of my Kindle. But then I reached the final chapters and the explosive ending that had me in tears! Now that I’ve finally discovered DCI Cara Elliott I’m hoping she’ll be in another book in the not too distant future.

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew I would like it. Like is an understatement!! This is a fast-paced, full of action, get-ready-to-roll kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and awake late at night for just some more pages!!! What I really loved the most is that I wasn't aware this is a sequel to another book, and you can absolutely read this one alone. The book poses some quite important moral questions like, if we could freely get retribution against bad persons who did horrific things to us, would we cross that line? I really loved the fact that all these notions and feelings were explored in the book, it's not your regular thriller, I thought it was much more deep with regards to the underlying message. Loved it and thank you so much NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book, now I'll go read the first book in this series!!