An absolutely cracking sequel to The Echo Man. It would have been 5 stars had I not guessed who the murderer was. It's a grim, unrelenting, horrendous story but totally compelling . I couldn't put it down. I do recommend you read The Echo Man first though. A great crime series.

Sam Holland has outdone herself with The Countdown Killer!! The Echo Man is one of my favourite serial killer books but this one may have just topped it. What an incredible book. I seriously could not get enough. I am really glad I saved it for a time that I could just keep reading f because it was impossible to put down. It is everything that you want in a dark crime fiction book, it is intense, it is so messed up and it is fascinating. One of the best books that I have read so far in 2025.

This is book 4 in the major crimes series and I highly recommend that you at least read Echo Man. Fore this one. But seriously, you need to read all of them, they are just a cut above in all aspects. The team are given a DVD that has been handed into the station containing a snuff film. They think it will an open and shut case but it is far from it. It will take them to places they never imagined. This is one dangerous case for them all and it will have a huge impact on their lives forever.

Sam Holland is just a brilliant writer. She really gets the reader into the story from the very start and poles on the twist. Thee is never a dull moment. It is a book that I won’t forget, with its detailed descriptions of crime scenes and murder that made my stomach churn.

Brilliant and deserves all the love and all the stars 🌟

Thanks so so so much to Harper Collins UK for my early copy of this book to read. I need a physical copy for my shelves ASAP . Publishes on June 5th.

DCI Cara Elliott is at work when a DVD is handed into the station showing a murder on demand. It becomes clear that viewers are paying for these killings with specific instructions and a set timeframe of 48 hours. When one of their own becomes a target it’s a race against the clock to catch the culprits.

I love Sam Holland ever since I read the Echo Man and she is one of my top authors in both the names she writes under. This is another fantastic addition to the Major Crimes series and having read some average books recently, it was refreshing to read something I couldn’t tear myself away from, staying up way too late reading!

This started with a bang and kept going at a fast pace. By the end I was holding my breath, desperate to see what would happen next. What I really enjoy about this series is that the author does not shy away from incredibly dark and disturbing scenes. While at times this seemed bleak and emotional, this was infused with tension, rawness and a purely chilling atmosphere. It was great to see many past characters returning, watch their development and the way they work together. Full of twists and turns, this was another shocking, addictive addition to this series and one I suggest anyone who enjoys a twisted serial killer thriller reads. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

For me, this was Sam Holland's best so far.
Love the characters. Plot was just the right length and very suspenseful and the writing style was excellent.
It is one of a series but definitely works well as a stand alone.
More than just a police procedural thriller as it has a darker side which allows the team to bend rules and push the envelope.
Great stuff. Cheers.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. The Countdown Killer is the 4th instalment in the Echo Man series and in my opinion the best yet! A highly suspenseful and energetic thriller that had me hooked from the first page. I love the characters in this book and I felt the conclusion of Noah’s story was perfect. I would definitely recommend reading the first 3 books before reading the new one as so much of the story is intertwined with the original book. One of my favourite crime series books of all time and I regularly recommend them to people. 5 stars.

Did I (silently) scream when I got approved for this book? YES. YES I DID. This series is one of my all-time favorite thrillers, and The Countdown Killer totally lived up to the hype. Actually, scratch that—it might be my favorite one yet. I was flying through the pages like my life depended on it. It was intense, suspenseful, and honestly impossible to put down.

This is book 4 in the Major Crimes series, and while the previous books can work as standalones, I’d definitely recommend reading The Echo Man (book 1) before diving into this one. There are major callbacks and connections that add so much depth to the story, and you'd be missing out if you skipped it.

What continues to blow me away is the character development - especially Cara and Griffin. After four books, you'd think we’d seen it all, but Sam Holland just keeps deepening their stories in such a satisfying, believable way. It’s rare to feel this invested in characters in a thriller series, but here we are.

And as always with Sam Holland, the pacing is spot-on. There’s literally no dull moment. His writing oozes tension—you can feel it in your bones. His books are like magnets: one page turns into five, turns into fifty, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.

Go mark June 5, 2025 in your calendars to get your own copy - ok just maybe clear your schedule first—you won’t want to stop once you start.

Many many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Words cannot explain how much I loved this book, but I will try my best in my review.

The Countdown Killer is the long awaited wrap-up to the masterpiece that is The Echo Man. I really enjoyed catching up with my favourite collection of misfits. The book is fast-paced, immediately thrusting me into a world of chaos and suspense in the very first chapter. It is foot to the pedal, full speed fast.

As usual the team brings their own drama to the story, but it's always perfectly balanced with the plot. Never overshadowing the investigation. The suspense is so high with this one. I didn't know if to sit down, stand up, lie down or what when reading. I just know that I could not put this one down. My spine was tingling with anticipation and my anxiety was through the roof. I was mad at myself for not being able to read at warp speed.

This book has everything I love. Great writing, solid but complex characters, a stellar storyline and so much more. These characters mean so much to me. They draw me in and keep me there from cover to cover. So many emotions were evoked from me with this one, including grief.
I cannot say enough good things about this series other than read it!!!! These books cannot be read as standalones. However, each one is well worth your time.

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and Sam Holland for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: June 5th, 2025.

A video handed in to DCI Cara Elliot's team gives them a gruesome case to investigate. A man tortured while the cameras were running. Discovering who passed over the video the team discover that Edward Morris, an esteemed filmmaker, had more of these snuff videos in his study. Sensing an open and shut case, they're horrified to discover he was having hospital treatment while many of the videos were taken and they have another depraved killer to hunt down.
I have recently re-read the previous 3 books in this major crime series in anticipation of reading this novel,each one just gets better and better. They are not necessarily for the squeamish, no punches are pulled in the description of some of the killings or the aftermath but this is what makes Sam Holland such an accomplished writer.
I loved the character depiction, and the softer side of Nate Griffin. I think Frank the cat is who we need to thank for that.
This whole series would make a fantastic TV series. I hope there are more in the pipeline

Wow, wow, wow - brilliant - thank you so much.
The fourth in the Major Crimes Series and absolutely brilliant, had me hooked from the start to the end.
I literally could not put this down, fast paced, unbelievably brutal murders, great characters - I think I have a bit of a thing for Nate!!
This was so hard to put down and where is it going to go next - there must be more.
Best book I've read this year.

The best yet from Sam Holland.
Yes her books are graphic and particularly gory in certain parts but she can't half tell a story.
Have read all of her books to date and I can honestly say this one is the best to date and considering how much I've enjoyed those that went before it, then thats quite a claim.
Re-introduced to The Echo Man this takes us on a journey back in time as well as Cara and her team investigating a series of brutal killings that appear to be revenge actions. Expect the unexpected and a massive twist in the tale in the latter part of the book.
Without hesitation FIVE STARS.
Intrigued as to where Sam Holland goes next in her writing and look forward to finding out
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review.

This book was absolutely incredible. I have loved the whole series so far but this book just might be my favourite. It made me feel all sorts of feelings especially that ending. I was so happy we got closure of a previous storyline and past characters coming back. I was trying so hard with all my different theories to work out the mystery and Sam Holland never fails to have me guessing the whole book and being so far off. I would 100% recommend this book if you love a gritty, action packed, police procedural thriller. A five star read for me!

This is the fourth book in the Major crimes series and it didn’t disappoint.
DCI Cara Elliott is given a DVD of a man being killed.
It looks like a revenge killing and her team are now looking for the killers.
A harrowing story with some twists.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Countdown Killer was everything I hoped it would be!

I loved the revenge killings on camera storyline, every death had its own twisted specification, and they were all gory and darkly intriguing. Then, to top it all off, it looped back to the Echo Man and gave us a slightly bittersweet conclusion to Noah Deakin’s story.
As a reader, my only real complaints are personal preferences. I wish Jamie’s storyline had been different and there’s only so much moaning about being a bad mum from Cara I can have sympathy with especially as she never seemed to really try to be better. In addition, I think her impulsiveness without justification/reason borderlines too out there at times.
The biggest flaw, however, was Noah revealing too much to Cara. After being so tight-lipped, it felt out of place for him to give away obvious hints. It seemed like a convenient way to tie back into the Echo Man storyline, maybe a bit too lazily.
Despite these minor issues, this was my second favourite in the series. I really enjoyed how everything came together, and the darkness of the crimes was gripping!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Hemlock Press, and Sam Holland for approving my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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