In "The Killer Countdown" by Sam Holland, readers are thrust into an intense and electrifying psychological thriller that marks the fourth installment in the Major Crimes series. The story follows DCI Cara Elliott and her dedicated team as they embark on a harrowing quest to apprehend a serial killer who meticulously tracks his victims, each falling prey to his sinister list one by one.

The narrative takes a chilling turn when a mysterious DVD arrives in the middle of the night, compelling DCI Elliott to hit play on a horrifying showreel that feels disturbingly like death on demand. The killer's twisted game soon unfolds, revealing a macabre spectacle in which an audience pays to witness gruesome acts—complete with specific requests for acts of retribution, all occurring within a chilling forty-eight-hour cycle.

As the investigation intensifies, the stakes climb higher. The killer becomes increasingly aware of the detectives pursuing him, leading to a shocking twist connected to "The Echo Man." This revelation raises the tension, leaving readers questioning the department's integrity: is there a leak among the detectives, or, more terrifyingly, could one of them be the killer? Suddenly, the hunters become the hunted, racing against the clock as they fight to uncover the truth.

Holland's exceptional writing showcases her ability to master the psychological thriller genre, gripping readers tightly from the first page. The dark themes explored in the story challenge comfort levels, imbuing the atmosphere with a palpable tension. There are moments when you might feel tempted to look away, yet the narrative's magnetic pull keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to know what will transpire next.

What truly distinguishes this series is the depth of character development and the intricate plotting, keeping audiences perched on the edge of their seats. Sam Holland's bold and unapologetic style caters to those who crave exhilarating experiences, making this an absolute must-read. It's advisable to dive into "The Echo Man" before tackling this book to fully appreciate the unfolding story without encountering spoilers.

Fans of this series should mark their calendars for June 5, 2025, as this release is not to be missed. I am incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for the fantastic opportunity to read and review an e-arc of "The Killer Countdown." in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This chilling thriller captivated me from the start, weaving a clever premise with relentless pacing. Holland orchestrates a captivating cat-and-mouse game that melds psychological depth with fast-moving suspense, creating an urgent and compelling atmosphere at every turn.

The growth of characters, notably DCI Cara Elliott and her brother, DS Nate Griffin, adds significant weight to the unfolding case as their determination and personal stakes become deeply intertwined with the investigation. Holland skillfully intertwines past and present, revealing unsettling details at just the right moments. While some twists may be anticipated, the execution ensures that readers remain engaged, with tension that never falters.

The story's pacing maintains a strong momentum, allowing for brief moments of character development that add depth to the narrative before the plot hurtles toward a thrilling conclusion. "The Killer Countdown" is a gripping, well-crafted thriller I wholeheartedly recommend.

The latest instalment in the Major Crimes series sees the team investigating a killer who films his murders. Brutal descriptive writing, this is a visceral novel, thrilling and emotional.

Well this was intense pretty sure my heart is still racing! I really enjoyed it I was literally sitting on the edge of my bed the twists just kept coming shocked and completely amazed by this
I loved getting to know the characters I absolutely adore Charlie
Fast paced. Brutal murders, brilliant characters
Hard to out down. Loved it

My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another good instalment of this series, happy with how this went!!

A Man Murdered, Live on Camera!! When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence.

A Killer Counting Down. Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always a 48hr pattern.

A Missing Detective but when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In 48hrs, a police officer will be the one in front of a camera. The hunters have become the hunted and the clock is ticking!!!

Ok so I have had a mixed history with this series. I read The Echo Man and it was over the top even for me and I like that sort of thing… but it was too much. So I bailed on book 2 especially after some feedback from a friend that was… you will hate this. So, I thought fair thats me done. Then book three came out and I liked the sound of the plot… it was different to the other two so I thought why not I love punishment see what happens… and I gave that 4 stars. So here we are at book 4.

Now, I clearly liked this however, this book has some pretty close storyline ties to book one so if you have jumped straight in you will be ok… but you will be better off if you have read book one. There in-lies my dilemma I don’t really recommend book one so… just do whatever you like… and if you choose to not read book one you will be ok… but perhaps read up on some book one spoilers i.e. who was the killer.

That said… I enjoyed this. I like the characters and I like the team. They work well together… and this book is no exception. I was expecting one thing to happen and another did so I was a little shocked which is of course the point so I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is good.. this author is also Louisa Scarr so for those of you who are fans of the Butler and West Series (LOVE THEM) same author although COMPLETELY different style. So its like they are not but I still like her writing.

I think that these books are pretty gory for the most part. There is a lot of violence they are your typical serial killer fiction with lots of blood and guts and death. So if thats not your thing, try Louisa Scarr she is great!! But if you are all for the blood and guts… then you might enjoy this. The concept is not especially new, but it is entertaining so we aren’t going into this for realism and facts it is what it is… pure unadulterated entertainment with dead bodies.

I also like the backstory in these books, you get some of Cara’s life and others as well but hers is the main storyline in the background. Her relationship with her partner, ex husband, little bit with the kids and her brother (who is also on her team). He is a loose cannon and this book is no different. Nate will get into trouble just sitting still… but thats half of the fun.

Overall, if you like this series… read this one. If you think this sounds interesting and you know what you are in for… read it. If you hated the first one and gave up… have no fear this one is better and you will have the backstory so again maybe try it. If you just hate this genre … well thank you for reading my review but what are you doing here 🤣

Thank you to NetGalley, Hemlock Press and Sam Holland for an Advance Copy in exchange of an honest review!!

A MAN MURDERED, LIVE ON CAMERA! When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence… This is death, on demand. A KILLER COUNTING DOWN! Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always in a forty eight hour pattern! Great read!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had chilling suspense, mystery, gruesome murders, nail biting moments, and some shocking twists! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

DCI Cara Elliot and the Major Crimes team are tasked with finding a killer on the loose.

Given the name of the Countdown killer, he is picking his victims by the fact that they has escaped justice in one way or another.

This is a pacy and gripping read with well developed characters and a meaty plot.

For me this was a one sit read and I found it intense and exciting.

Wow!! I have been looking forward to reading this since I first found the publication date. Thank you NG for letting read it before publication.

This book grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags your right along for the ride. Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I didn't want it to end but I had to keep reading.

This is part of a series involving the same murder squad detectives, and while I think I may be possible to read as a stand alone, you would definitely benefit from reading the previous release.

My heart was racing and I had no clue what was about to come next.

I may have to start the series all over again.

Brilliant read, and a new addition to my favourite authors list

The Countdown Killer is fast paced and engaging, in places gruesome and full of surprises. A series of murders, plenty clues to why they have happened but nothing about who. DCI Cara Elliot and the Major Crimes team have their hands full.

The characters are well developed and all have difficult back stories. As this is the fourth in a series (which is not immediately obvious) there is a lot of catching up to do. That makes the early part of the novel a little difficult, as motivations are not always clear without that prior knowledge. But overall this doesn't spoil enjoyment of the novel.

I hadn’t read all the previous books in the series but that did not spoil my enjoyment. It was easy to pick up on what had happened before, although I am running to get the others!!
A serial killer, taking revenge on those who have escaped justice. A serial killer who has been under the radar for many years! The body count was insanely high and the murders were graphic, definitely not for the faint hearted. The story moved at lightning speed and this author is a serious rival to Chris Carter!!

Oh my god - where do I even begin!? The 4th book in the Major Crimes series and it does not disappoint!! This book follows Cara, Jamie, Griffen, Shenton and Brody trying to find a serial killer who is being paid to abduct and murder people who have committed crimes. The descriptions of some of the snuff films were gruesome but was needed to highlight what this killer is doing! One of the deaths is heartbreaking and I genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen. The twist at the end was absolutely crazy and I was pretty gobsmacked! Still not sure if I liked it or not and don’t want to ruin it for anyone by saying anything else but once you read it - message me so we can discuss!! Another great book by Sam and if you preorder any book - make sure it’s this one!

Book #4 in the DCI Cara Elliott series and wow, just wow! I can hand on heart admit that this is easily one of my favourite series EVER and this is my favourite in the series.

A seriously twisted, brilliantly descriptive tale that leaves you salivating for more. If you like me, love the real dark, properly twisted serial killer books, this is most definitely for you.

First off, if you haven’t read the previous installments,  stop right there! Go back and start from the beginning because you need to read them, firstly to understand the whole story, it won’t make sense otherwise and secondly just because they are so damn good!

DCI Cara Elliott is chasing the tale of one hell of a sick individual.  After a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, showing the brutal murder of a man, Cara and the team soon realise it’s a real life ‘snuff’ movie. When tracking it down and finding a whole load more, they realise they have a major challenge on their hands. Why these people, why these methods and who is behind it all.

When Cara finds a photo at the home of where the DVDs were kept, her world, once again, implodes. The photo is connected to the case that changed her life forever, the Echo Man. But what is the connection between the cases? The Echo Man, her ex partner Noah, is securely looked away for life, but something in Cara’s gut tells her there is more to the story than what Noah confessed to.

As always, the pacing of this tale is spot on. High octane, full speed, and breathtaking,  I had to keep telling myself to take a breath and slow down, scared that I’d not only miss something but finish it too fast.

The character execution was pure perfection. I love that Cara is a strong willed, independent detective who struggles with vulnerability, as is her brother and colleague Griffin, who I have a real soft spot for.

I adored the unsettling feelings it elicited, creeping up my spine when Sam Holland weaves the past and present together. The tension is relentless and all consuming, with its twists placed perfectly throughout.

Dark, disturbing, chilling, atmospheric, relentless, and outstanding. So much more could be said, but not without ruining it for anybody.

I truly hope that this is not the last in the series!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC.

4.5 stars rounded up!

The Countdown Killer is no.4 in Sam Holland’s Major Crimes series, and I think it’s the best one yet! I just could not get it into my face quickly enough – I literally had to keep telling myself to slow down because I was in danger of missing words!

In true Sam Holland style, this is a pretty scary and gruesome serial killer/detective story, that does loop back to the first book, The Echo Man, quite a lot, but also explains enough that I think you could enjoy it perfectly well without having read the rest of the series. Although I would probably recommend that you do read them in order as they’re so good and reading this one first would spoil the first one!

In The Countdown Killer, things start off quietly in the Major Crimes team headed up by DCI Cara Elliott. Until an anonymous person drops off a dvd to the station. When Cara watches it, she sees a man violently killed on camera. And when they find where the dvd came from, it becomes apparent that it’s not a one-off incident. People are being killed on demand for money – always after exactly 48 hours - and filmed as proof.

And when Cara finds a photo at the scene that links to the Echo Man, new information about that case comes to light – and one of her team is targeted as the next victim of the Countdown Killer.

This was not for the feint-hearted, with some very graphic descriptions in parts – but extremely suspenseful and tense! An absolute must-read if you’ve enjoyed the series so far!

The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland is a tense and chilling thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With a clever premise and relentless pacing, Holland crafts a gripping cat-and-mouse game that blends psychological depth with fast-moving suspense. The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, making every chapter feel urgent and compelling.

The characters are well-drawn, particularly the investigator, whose determination and personal stakes add weight to the case. Holland weaves together past and present seamlessly, revealing unsettling details at just the right moments. While some twists are expected, the execution keeps them engaging, and the tension never lets up.

The pacing is strong, with a few slower moments that allow for character development before the story hurtles toward a thrilling conclusion. The Countdown Killer is a gripping and well-crafted thriller—an easy 4-star read for fans of dark, serial killer mysteries.

Easily the best boom I'll read all year! I don't even know where to start, it's just everything you could want from a thriller/ police procedural. It's well written, so easy to get sucked into and it's one of those books you just can not stop reading. I was up through the night, 1st thing when I woke up and whenever I've had a chance at work. The characters are brought to life, the twists and turns just keep on coming and it's all just so perfectly plotted out. It's dark but jit in pointless shock value way. It's just a must read, I can't speak highly enough about it

I want to start of by saying I loved this book so what I am about to say first should not be taken as a criticism.

When requesting this book, I did not realise it was the fourth instalment in the Major Crimes series. Not normally an issue - I personally prefer to read all books in a series, in order, rather than jumping in part of the way through but most of these types of series can be read as standalones so not usually an issue.

Here, however, I would caution people to read at least the first novel in this series The Echo Man. I hadn't read it and I really feel like I missed out on a big part of this novel because I hadn't done so. Its not a deal breaker, as I say I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I do feel it will add to your reading experience of this book.

Due to the overlap with The Echo Man, it is difficult for me to talk too much about the storyline here as to do so would reveal spoilers for The Echo Man however I will just say this is a really impressive, twisty, sometimes gruesome, story which is expertly told.

Definitely a series I will be returning to.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well, I would give this one 10 🌟 if I could,
I read The Echo Man, and I'm glad I read that one first. I think it's a must! It does refer to the previous book, but I did read it and wow, what a great read was this one. Sam Holland did it again. It's a great thriller!

It was a fast-paced thriller and I really wanted to know what was going to happen. The book is full of surprises and guesses.
Well, in the end, I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat, and what an end, I never see that one coming. I was so pulled into this one. The author has a gift of pulling you onto one side but is it the right one...

If you have read the Echo Man, you NEED to read this one!

Thanks, @netgalley and @harpercollins, for my review copy! Pub Date 5 June 2025

After Southampton was terrorised by a serial killer who replicated famous murders known only as The Echo Man, the police discovered it was one of their own. Now, a few years later another killer has emerged - abducting people and then, 48 hours later, murdering them on camera. DCI Cara Elliott receives one of these videos and sets out to stop the perpetrator, but in doing so she may have put her nearest and dearest in danger as the Countdown Killer knows she is on the hunt.

I've read all of Sam Holland's previous books and hands down this is by far the best - I would say it's probably the best book I've read this year so far! All the strands in previous books that she has left come together in this one to make an absolutely brilliant book. 5*

The major crimes team are back on their next case when a dvd is dropped off at the office and the film is now what they expected. A film of the worst depravity they have seen when someone is killed in front of their eyes. The investigation leads to clues on the elusive Echo Man killer and who could really be pulling the strings while the bodies are piling up. Soon the case turns personal and Cara is fighting for everything she loves.
As always Sam’s books leave you gasping at the shock moments and the hurt when your favourite characters are in peril!

The Echo Man was a fantastic start to this series and whilst you can read this without having read it you’ll appreciate this all the more if you do and the rest of the series also adds context to the characters. The dynamics in the team are great and the crimes are horrifying when a series of murders are uncovered thanks to a DVD which was dropped into the station. The retribution of these crimes was gruesome and the details aren’t spared. It was really fascinating to see how this case affected Cara as it progressed and even her colleagues were questioning her mental health. The twists in this were fantastic and I love the direction it took as it was incredibly unexpected and fans of this series will love it.

It's an amazing read just what I've come to expect from Sam Holland, one of my favourite authors.
It was deliciously gruesome and disturbing. This one had me up till the early hours racing to finish.
The tension unfolds perfectly, and the revels along the way are unexpected. At times, emotional such is the writing that you feel for the characters each who are facing their own personal struggles.
Love Cara, a strong female lead and her team, and I've a soft spot for Griffin, who is a great character.
The twists in this one are outstanding,this, for me, is my favourite of the 4 books.
I'm hoping this isn't the last we read about Cara and her team.
Readers of the series are in for a ride, and if you've not read the books, I highly recommend you do.
BRILLIANT.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the Arc.