I really enjoyed reading this book as I am a lifelong fan of Terry Deary and I would 100% recommend anyone to read this!

This was a great, light read. The plot unfolded at a good pace with just enough mystery to stay intriguing. The characters were well rendered and I found myself liking some of them a lot. I did find some of the asides in the writing style distracting at first but I got used to them abd ending up thoroughly enjoying this book!

The year is 1973 and four strangers engage in conversation on the London to Sunderland train. Tony is an actor, Claire works in electronics, Edward is a lawyer and John, well John, he comes out with the unforgettable line, “Actually, I’m a murderer.” Not sure whether or not they believe him, they will soon find themselves tangled up in his mysterious web and one of them will become his next victim…

Despite the book being set in 1973, we first encounter the cast fifty years later in 2023 when Tony, failed actor and now successful author, is recounting the event on the train that went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the rest of his life. We then go on to have the story told from the points of view of two other characters – Aline, the policewoman who becomes privy to the, ‘Actually, I’m a murderer’ confession, and ‘John Brown’, the man who delivered the unforgettable line.

The characters are an interesting bunch, and in some cases, very much of their time. Tony is, much to the disdain of his mother, still without a ‘proper’ job, borrowing her car and bringing his laundry for her to wash. Aline, on the other hand, is desperate to climb the ranks of the police force but is finding it impossible due to her misogynistic colleagues and superiors. We definitely see how hard it was for women in the police force in the 1970s when, despite being great at their job, they found themselves working alongside men who saw them as an easy target.

The plot is unlike other murder novels I have read, with ‘John Brown’ not being your typical killer. He describes himself as a sociopath and we certainly see how he has no qualms about who he kills and why. I enjoyed how the story played out, each action leading to John’s potential kill list increasing. After reading the first chapter where we were introduced to the scenario, the ending was not what I expected and I was pleased with its culmination.

I have always enjoyed Terry Deary’s Horrible Histories books and I am pleased that he is finally moving into adult novels too. I look forward to his next one!

This was such a fun and twisty read; it kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't put it down.

We are in two different time periods - 1973 and 2023, and the story is told from the viewpoints of three people - Aline is a police constable, trying to move up in her career with the police, but having to deal with chauvenistic colleagues who keep putting her down. Tony is an actor who speaks before he thinks and constantly gets himself into trouble. Mr Brown is easily overlooked, and that's just the way he likes it. In 2023 they are telling the story of how they all became intertwined in 1973 from their points of view.

Tony and Mr Brown met on a train when they were sharing a carriage with Claire and Edward. Bored and looking to be distracted for a while they start chatting about what they do for a living. Claire works in electronics. and has big plans for her career, Edward works as a lawyer and adviser in the Heath government, and Tony is an actor. Mr Brown announces that 'actually, I'm a murderer'.

From there, everything changes for the four people who met in the carriage, as well as for Aline. One of the people in the carriage will become Mr Brown's next victim. Who? And Why?

This is a fantastically interesting book. I love that often the same situation is told from the viewpoints of at least two of the characters. There are twists and turns that I never could have predicted.

If you love a murder mystery that is a little bit different, with fantastic characters and chin on the floor plot twists then this is the book for you.

Sadly, this is not a good book. The premise has the feel of a classic British crime caper, but the plot that plays out lacks the tightness, the tension, or the genuine black comedy you'd hope for. It relies on our faultless killer making many mistakes, a mess of subplots, a mystery that actually only turns up three quarters of the way through, and there only being about 10 people in the whole of Newcastle and Sunderland. Had I not owed it to NetGalley and the publishers to provide a full and honest review, I'd probably have abandoned the book around the halfway mark.

My son loved the Horrible Histories books when he was younger (he’s now 30) and I’m sure they contributed to his enjoyment of history lessons and his high grades. So when I saw Terry Deary had written ‘a book for grown-ups’ I was keen to read it.
Actually, I'm a Murderer spans 50 years from 1973 to 2023. The story revolves around four strangers who meet in a railway compartment on a mail train from London to Sunderland. Each character has a different background: Claire is a technician, and we later discover is very manipulative; Tony, an actor who makes some really foolish decisions; Edward, an arrogant top lawyer; and John, who casually reveals ‘Actually, I'm a Murderer’. Initially, no one believes him, but before long there’s a murder in the town where they all disembarked.
The story unfolds from the perspective of three different characters: Tony Davies, the actor, John Brown the self-confessed murderer, and Aline James. Aline is a local policewoman who is alerted to the fact that there may be a murderer in town. She is soon heavily embroiled in murder, deception, and blackmail. Not to mention the sexism inherent within the police force (and in society in general) in the 1970s. I enjoyed Aline’s attempts to thwart her colleague, the very dislikeable Greatorex. He is a horrible bully and sex pest, driven by his lust for Aline and his belief that promotion is his right because he is male. He, along with the rest of the local force, is completely dismissive of Aline purely because she is a woman despite her being much smarter than Greatorex and just as ambitious. I experienced this behaviour when I started work in the early 1980s. It was clearly depicted well in the book as it brought back some long-forgotten memories.
I enjoyed Terry Deary’s adult debut and read it in no time as it was so easy to become engrossed in how the plot was developing. The novel blends humour with suspense and draws clear inspiration from Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith. The plot is filled with twists and turns, making it an engaging read for fans of crime fiction. However, enjoyable as it is, some of the characters are rather two dimensional and I guessed who the (other) killer was almost as soon as the murder happened. I did like the twist at the end though.
Overall, if you’re after an entertaining crime caper, then this is a good read. I’ll look forward to reading any further novels Terry Deary writes.

Murder in the world of Ashes to Ashes.

Brought to us by the creator of Horrible Histories, you may not realise that from the style of writing, but there was something different in the style, pace and some text/characters.

In present-day Britain an old man tells us he knows he's going to be murdered today. We rewind with him to 1973, where wannabee-actor Tony is on a train with three other people, ambitious computer-phile Claire, a lawyer with high-up political connections, and a bland man who comes out with a very startling pronouncement when each of the people in the carriage share details to while away the journey. "Actually I'm a murderer."

Not sure whether to take him seriously or not, it turns out the forgettable man might just have been telling the truth when the four reach Sunderland and someone… even one of them… is killed very soon after.

It gets a little more involved after this, with actor Tony, murderer Mr Brown and a young policewoman all sharing the narrative.

Mr Brown seems inept from the first moment we meet him - why exactly would you tell people - including a future victim. - that you’re a murderer? And he then goes on to make error after error. Was this on purpose? Didn’t like Tony at all, only Aline the ambitious and much-abused police officer had my sympathy.

Shows the treatment of women officers in the 70s, as well as some other not-much-spoken-of issues (you spot the hints early on).

This was entertaining enough but I did feel twists were quite obvious. There are some frankly ridiculous and unrealistic moments and a silly ending.

Premise is fun, execution wobbly but entertaining.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

This was an interesting read, the plot felt new and different to me for the majority and I really enjoyed the rhythm getting into it.
The characters were interesting to meet as well as each having their own chapters that interlinked or told the same occasion but from a different perspective.
I do have to say I felt the the rhythm got slightly lost at around 70% and it felt like I was screaming at the page with how clear to me and event was but it took the characters another 10% to get it.
That being said, once back on track I did really enjoy the ending and it felt like a nice wrap up.
Definitely one to read if you like a bit of a mystery, comedy with sarcasm. Also, to note I'd never read a book set in Northern England in the 70's so that was also a new take on things.
Favourite Quote - I pity the assassin who relies on a bus for his getaway vehicle.
Favourite Character - Mr Brown

I loved reading the Horrible Histories books when I was growing up so when I saw Terry Deary had written a crime novel for adults I was excited to read it. Billed as ‘the perfect mystery for fans of Richard Osman and Janice Hallett’ I had high hopes as I love both those authors.

The book is set in Sunderland in 1973. Three strangers share a train carriage and one announces ‘Actually, I’m a murderer.’ and claims to be a killer for hire. The story then follows the characters once they get off the train.

I wanted to enjoy this book and expected to be gripped, but unfortunately I just couldn’t get into it. I couldn’t connect with the characters and got confused as to which one was which and how they linked together in the story. I got halfway through and had to DNF as I was fed up and didn’t want to pick up the book. The plot felt disjointed and didn’t work for me. I’m sad to say this book wasn’t for me.

A failed actor, a ruthless businesswoman, a pompous politician and a man who claims to be a murderer travel by the overnight mail train from London to Sunderland. The next day the politician is dead, the actor is being blackmailed by the businesswoman and the hitman has a problem with an overly observant policewoman.
This is a cracking little story set in the 1970s which is full of period detail and written with real joie de vivre.

Four strangers on a train start chatting - and one of them admits, 'Actually, I'm a murderer.' The others don't believe it - but by the end of the next day, one is dead and another is being blackmailed into committing a crime...

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Obviously it's not a whodunnit - more a who's next and how will lit happen? The story is told from three points of view - Tony Davies, Constable Aline James and John Brown (said murderer). If you enjoyed reading the 'Horrible History' series with your children, or you've enjoyed Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne series, this will be right up your street. Clever, witty, good characterisation and cleverly constructed (mostly set in 1973 but the finale is 50 years later).

Four passengers on an overnight train to Sunderland get to talking, before you know it they're trying to guess each others occupations and one blurts out a cracker: "Actually, I'm a murderer". Unfortunately, this is one of those books with a killer blurb, but that just doesn't deliver on the promise. It's predictable and, considering it's penned by the creator or Horrible Histories, unfunny. Thanks anyway to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK (Constable) and the author for an advance copy.

Four strangers are on the "milk" train going from London to Newcastle in the early hours. To pass the time they try to guess stuff about each other. When they can't guess the profession of the main in the brown suit (they've mentally christened him Mr Brown) he admits "Actually I'm a murderer" Not sure whether or not to believe him, a couple of them report what they heard to the police when they arrive in Sunderland. What follows is a long and intertwined story of missed opportunities, blackmail, love and revenge.
I like this book a lot and the style it has been written in.

I chose to read a free eARC of Actually, I'm a Murderer but that has in no way influenced my review.

On a late-night train journey to Newcastle, four strangers start idly chatting to pass the time. The conversation moves to work, and what each of them does to earn a living. The last thing the group expects is for the most insignificant among them to say "Actually, I'm a murderer". Surely it's a joke. Something controversial said off the cuff to shock them all awake. Not really believing Mr Brown, Tony and Clair mention what was said to the two police officers on duty outside the station. Their concern is brushed aside. However, by the end of the following day, one of the travellers will be dead and one will be blackmailed into committing a crime. That singular comment, that one moment in time changes everything...

Actually, I'm a Murderer is a fun, entertaining historical murder mystery. Not really surprising but you do know who the murderer is pretty much from the outset of the book. The mystery aspect is more about who the next victim is and how they will meet their grisly end. I loved how one moment in time, one seemingly inconsequential comment, changes the lives of all those present. The story is told from three perspectives: Tony Davies, Constable Aline James and John Brown. These three individual, believable voices lead the reader through the chaos that rains down upon all of them following Mr Brown's fateful declaration. But how does Aline end up mixed up in all of this? Aline is one of the two police officers Tony confides in when he disembarks the Newcastle train. Whilst her male colleague brushes Tony's concerns away, Aline's interest is piqued. She's hoping for a promotion (a rare thing for a woman in the police force in 1973) so makes it her business to keep a cautious eye on the passengers.

Would I recommend this book? I would recommend Actually, I'm a Murderer to fans of well-written cosy crime (particularly those who read Deary's books as a child, or those who have children who read this author now). It is a light-hearted, humorous, murder mystery where the identity of the murderer isn't really any part of the mystery! It's a clever tale, skilfully delivered by an accomplished, skilled writer. I loved the premise. I thought the characters were all interesting and played their parts well. I liked how the many strands of the book all come together in a wonderful, slightly nerve-wracking finale. I liked the historical aspects of the story. Again, we see how differently female police officers were treated compared to their male counterparts. This seems to have become a bit of a theme in my reading this year. That and trains! I absolutely despised Aline's beat partner, Constable Greatorex. He made my blood boil. I did enjoy Aline's determination though. Her drive to get that promotion and the lengths she went to to get it. I can see this book being adapted for the screen in the future, and I can see Deary's fan base increasing exponentially. All in all, I enjoyed Actually, I'm a Murderer. A fun, light-hearted, easy-to-read novel with a gentle, engaging pace and a cast of wonderful characters. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Actually, I'm a Murderer. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Review will be published on 24th June 2025]

It is hard when you find a novel that seems right up your street by any author you respect but that just doesn't inspire you to pick it up. Unfortunately, that was the case with “Actually, I’m a Murderer”. It has all the right components: an interesting premise, a cracking start, a good plot and as you might expect from Terry Deary, more than a few jokes (per page!) but somehow, it really didn’t gel for me.

The multiple characters’ diary-style episodal format has been done so many times of late by other authors and is obviously very popular with readers, however, I have never really enjoyed this, finding it makes the book overlong and depriving it of flow and continuity – that goes for all books using this format, not just this one. But that aside, I can’t quite put my finger on why (and I hate to say it) I found it all rather uninteresting – I didn’t care for any of the characters, nor what happened to them. However, it wasn’t a chore to get to the end and ultimately, the finale is quite clever and entertaining.

I think the problem is that I expected a bit more from this rather excellent author and so feel a little disappointed - my view of the same book, if by a different author, would probably have been more forgiving. But to be fair, I have read many, many books that are much inferior to “Actually, I’m a Murderer”.
If humorous cosy(ish) crime is your thing, you could certainly do a lot worse!

I enjoyed this one loved the multi character they were all interesting and different.
It was definitely a quirky unique book!!
Love it

This book delivers a twisty, entertaining mystery that kept me guessing throughout. I loved the dark humour, intrigue and suspense.

Four people meet on a train, they start to chat and to guess what each does for a living, the young man is an actor, the young woman a technician, the well off man something in government and the fourth? Well, a nondescript man, a Mr Brown says “Actually, I’m a murderer”.
The story is told from three different points of view, Mr Brown, the actor and the young policewoman that the actor and the woman from the train report toon leaving the train.. Mostly set in 1973, but also 50 years later, this is an engaging tale that kept me gripped, wanting to find out what happens next. There are plenty of twists and turns, well written and I almost read in one sitting.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.

3 Stars
One Liner: Great premise but a mediocre read

1973
Four people are traveling in a railway compartment of the early mail from London to Sunderland. They talk a little about themselves to pass the time.
• Claire works in electronics, hoping a desk-sized computer will make her a fortune.
• Tony is an actor going home after a tour.
• Edward is a top lawyer and adviser to the Heath government.
• John, the fourth man in the compartment, says ‘actually, I’m a murderer’.
They think he’s being funny, but who knows what will happen next?
The story comes in the first-person POVs of Tony, Aline, and John Brown.

My Thoughts:
I didn’t know the author was famous until I finished the book. Turns out, he is the author of the Horrible Histories Series (64 books!) and is quite popular. It did me good coz I didn’t have any expectations about the book.
The premise is intriguing. Being set in the 1970s gives it a sort of old-world vibe, but not much. Still, the setting and the use of the period are the best part of the book.
It’s not easy reading about the casual sexual harassment of women (but sadly, we don’t have to try hard to imagine women police not being safe with their male counterparts, as this happens even today). Still, it is realistic.
The presentation makes the story more engaging in a way, as we get the details from three POVs, one of whom is the killer. However, the foreshadowing sometimes spoils the suspense, and the lack of detail actually works in reverse to make some twists too obvious (yeah, I’m referring to the repeated use of ‘my lover’).
Now, readers don’t have to like the characters to enjoy a mystery. It’s usually the annoying one who gets popped off, so it’s not a loss. However, there’s hardly any likable character in the book. The narrators do have some sort of personality, but nothing you can actually root for!
Also, this brings me to a recurring issue in many books. Why is it that the so-called experts end up making so many mistakes once the story starts? The same happens with Mr. Brown, too. Though we see hints of his talent, he spends a lot of time making mistakes like a novice.
The initial rambling didn’t do the book any favor, TBH. The first quarter is slow when it should have hooked the reader. The pacing gets better later on, thankfully, but this is not a fast book.
I did figure out the twists, which is always a positive sign. It shows the story follows a well-planned arc rather than throwing in twists just to shock the readers.
Of course, a certain development is a bit strange, but it makes sense in a convoluted way, just like the characters. It aligns with their personalities.

To summarize, Actually, I'm A Murderer is a decent cozy mystery that combines dark themes with teeny bits of lighthearted scenes, and unlikeable characters. I’m not sure who to recommend this to.
Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK (Constable), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Four strangers meet on a train in the year of 1973 and to pass time they share details about themselves, including their jobs. When one man declares he is a murderer no one believes him but in the following days one of his fellow passengers will become his latest victim.

As the author of the Horrible Histories series, I was excited to see that he had decided to delve into the adult crime genre. This was an interesting concept with a clever plot and a unique writing style. The story is told by multiple narrators and takes on a chatty, humorous tone. I found I wasn’t prepared at first for this style so it took a while for me to warm to it, however once I finally did, I soon found myself starting to tire from it again and at times found my focus waning.

Even though the multiple characters were interesting, I found I was at times confused as to whose narration I was reading and it ended up quite predictable. I definitely appreciate what the author was trying to do here and it has great promise. I especially enjoyed how different and quirky the story was and can see current fans and new readers of this author, especially those who like cosy crime, really enjoying this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.