Review of ‘Watching You’ by Helen Fields, due to be published on 28 August 2025 by Avon Books UK.

Police Scotland have a job on their hands when bodies start to show up, each having been murdered in horrific circumstances. The Major Investigation Team seek help from Dr Woolwine, who connects with the victims to try and establish motives and catch the killer.

This is an intense thriller, extremely well written characters, excellent detailing, full of suspense and pulls you in from the very first page.

I’d not read any of Helen Fields’ novels previously, but this will certainly not be my last. An outstanding read and highly recommended.

Another outstanding thriller from this author.
Very quirky characters and a devilishly twisty plot.
Plus a hint that AVa and Luc might be returning !

Edinburgh is a city in the grip of terror as a serial killer works his way through multiple victims. In the midst of it all, a brilliant surgeon mourns the loss of her child. But it looks as if the killer of Beth Waterfall's daughter is planning to come for her too...

Can the besieged police forces of the city solve the mystery in time to save Beth - and all the other victims that the killer is likely to target in the months ahead?

Gripping and atmospheric, this fast paced thriller effortlessly holds the reader's attention. This one is not to be missed. It gets 3.5 stars.

Watching You features some returning characters and some new. Set in Edinburgh, it follows the hunt for a serial killer. But there are several other plot lines in a complex novel, told from multiple points of view.

The characters are the strongest point of the novel, with American psychologist Dr Connie Woolwine a particularly intriguing creation. DS Lively is also a strong character, a veteran detective who finds love unexpectedly.

The plot is well developed, but the intersection of the various story arcs becomes confusing in places. There are major twists towards the end and they are not always totally believable. And the sense of place feels weak throughout the novel. Occasional descriptions of parts of Edinburgh are inserted feel a bit like WIki cut n paste and don't really create a strong sense of the city.

Overall this is a interesting novel, but there are elements that let it down.

WATCHING YOU has been sitting in my "currently reading" box for too long. I finished it the day after I placed it there, and that was three weeks ago. I had problems giving it a final rating. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars, because it was so engrossing—it really held my attention—and overall the writing was excellent, the pacing well done. But there was a problem with the ending, a twist I didn't see coming, but one that also offended my scientific intelligence. So after a long discussion with myself, I've decided to give it four stars, with a "highly recommended" addendum.

<b>Overview</b>

WATCHING YOU is part of the Connie Woolwine series written by Helen Sarah Fields. I read the first book in this series, <i>"The Shadow Man"</i>, but I have obviously missed one or two that came between that first one and WATCHING YOU. I shall have to remedy this omission. In 2022, I read the author's entire D.I. Callanach series and loved it.

<b>Brief Synopsis</b>

Dr. Connie Woolwine is asked to assist Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team in an investigation of a man's body found discovered several months after he had been murdered. She has worked with this team before. DS Lively and DS Christie Salter are the primaries assigned to the case.

We soon discover that the central evil figure in the book is a stalker referred to as "The Watcher". He is stalking a trauma surgeon, Dr. Beth Waterfall, who—over the course of the early chapters in the book—develops a romantic relationship with Lively. There are many twists and turns, as there always are in a Helen Fields' novel, and I enjoyed following them all. Mind you, I particularly detested "The Watcher" because lately I have read too many real-life news stories about innocent victims being stalked by detestable men using tools now available through the internet.

Helen Fields has always been a good plotter. As well, I think that her "characterization skills" have improved. A couple of "victims" were brought alive to me, in terms of empathizing with them, even though we knew they would die. I loved DS Lively, also. Plus, although Dr. Woolwine remains somewhat of an enigma, she is an interesting enigma.

The ending involved three unexpected twists, one I liked, one I felt was a bit unfair to the reader (no hints provided of an event that occurred prior to the story's beginning), and one that was scientifically unsound. It was this latter, in particular, that caused me to drop a star. Not all novels require a "twist" at the end; sometimes it is better to simply watch the inevitable unfold.

Still, I loved the novel until that one implausible twist, and other readers might not find it as implausible as I did. So 4.5 stars overall, and now I must search out the Connie Woolwine novels that I have missed.

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My review for the first Connie Woolwine story:
<a href = https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6464453923 > The Shadow Man (Connie Woolwine, #1) </a>
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Thanks to Avon Books UK for providing an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions.

Ohhh wow loved this book all my favourite characters in one book it was gripping and suspensful and i really didnt see the end coming great twist.. so happy for lively that he finally gets to be happy love the comradery between the team even overbexk
and the hint to callanch and ava coming back near the end YEY...

cant wait to read the next one

Once again the dream team of Woolwine and Baarda, with back up from Midnight, are brought into help Edinburgh police get to the killer responsible for a spate of murders on their patch. Ably assisted by DSs Salter and Lively, along with new pathologist Dr Nate Carlisle, all overseen by the ever present Overbeck, everyone is soon brought up to date and made aware of what is expected of each member of the team, though Woolwine’s methods, especially her special ‘hands on’ approach, take some getting used to.

I love this series and can’t get enough of the Woolwine/Baarda partnership,. Amazing writing, excellent plots with well developed characters, first class all round.

This latest offering has all the elements of the previous books and yet adds so much more. Full of threat and suspense. And what an ending! Didn’t see that coming at all 😉

Excellent read, 100% recommendation.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK.

Just loved this book. I’ve missed Eva and Luc but was happy to see the return of Connie, Brodie and Sam Lively. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Lively and Beth. The story was fast moving with plenty of twists, that I really didn’t see coming. It was such an enjoyable experience.

I absolutely loved Watching You! If you’re looking for a tense, well-crafted thriller that takes you on a rollercoaster ride, look no further. Be warned…….this is definitely not one for the faint-hearted. Helen Fields does a brilliant job building suspense while gradually revealing the full scope of the crimes. The Edinburgh setting adds a gritty, atmospheric layer that perfectly matches the story’s dark tone.

The plot follows a string of brutal murders across the city, seemingly unconnected, but hinting at a disturbing pattern. DS Lively and forensic profiler Dr. Connie Woolwine are determined to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, surgeon Beth Waterfall, still grieving her daughter’s murder, begins to suspect she may be the killer’s next target.

Dr. Connie Woolwine is an intriguing character she’s a sharp, intuitive forensic profiler known for her unconventional approach, blending deep empathy, psychological insight, and gut instinct to get inside the minds of both victims and killers in ways others can’t.

Beth also brings a lot to the plot, she’s grieving and vulnerable, yet quietly resilient. Her trauma, combined with the looming threat against her, adds real urgency to the plot. The investigative team, especially Lively and Woolwine, bring energy and wit; their banter offers welcome lightness amidst the darkness.

What I appreciated most was how the killer’s presence loomed throughout the story, whether through chilling glimpses into their thoughts, chilling scenes where they watched victims unnoticed, or the unsettling chapters narrated from their point of view. The threat was ever present, keeping tension high and the reader constantly on edge. Helen Fields paces the reveals perfectly, offering just enough clues to keep the pages turning without giving too much away. The suspense builds steadily, and the sense of unease never lets up.

Watching You doesn’t rely on shock or gore alone. It’s a smart, character-driven thriller with sharp pacing and a conclusion that’s as satisfying as it is unsettling. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark crime fiction with a psychological edge.

Edinburgh is facing a puzzling spate of murders that seem to have no connection to each other Could it be the work of one individual and if so, why? Dr Connie Woolwine is called in by Edinburgh police to provide her very specific expertise. Connie has a rare insight into killers and their reasonings. Her methods at times can be confronting but she has in the past always gotten results. Even grouchy DS Lively concedes this. Watching You is another winner from Helen Fields. I squirmed more than once reading this. Some sections were uncomfortable to read. Saying that, I read this book as quickly as possible to see what happens. The highest compliment I can give a novel! Thank you Netgalley for my advance copy.

Disturbing, gripping and totally brilliant!! Helen in in her stride

When I saw that Helen had finished a new book I just knew I needed to get my hands on it! Every one of her books, be it Ava/Luc or Connie/Baarda has me up reading into the small hours and sneaking away to read ‘just a bit more’. This book was a perfect example of this, so much so I pretty much put a pause on life because I was just so engrossed!

Helen’s Connie Woolwine books are guaranteed page turners. As we get to know her more and understand her quirks we also see how her relationship with her colleague Brodie Baarda changes and develops. Theirs is an unusual collaboration, borne from mutual trust and respect which allows them both to support the other to flourish. Another character we get further insight to is detective Sam Lively. Such a funny, sarcastic guy. Lovely brings a little light relief to an otherwise dark narrative.

At times this book is an uncomfortable and difficult read. Helen really ramps up the creep-factor in this book and creates scenes that are both compelling and yet terrifying. If you’ve not read any of Helen’s books before, then firstly why not? And secondly you can start here. All of her books whilst connected in location and characters can be enjoyed independently. Although word of warning once you start this series you’ll find it hard to stop!

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

When Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team find three bodies and zero leads, forensic profiler Connie Woolwine is called in. But while she practices her unusual methods, someone is watching and planning his next victim...

Watching You features characters from Helen Field's other books: Connie and Baarda from The Institution (which I've read) and The Shadow Man (which I haven't), Edinburgh's MIT from the D.I. Callanach series (which I haven't read), and Midnight Jones from Profile K (which I have), but it can also be read as a standalone. I love the way these books fit together, creating standalone thrillers which can be read in any order, and I am immediately adding the ones I haven't read to my to-read list.

Watching You alternates between the police investigation into a series of brutal murders and the perspective of The Watcher, as well as between the present where the investigation is taking place and the past where The Watcher first encountered trauma surgeon Beth Waterfall. I really enjoyed seeing the different strands of this book come together, and I was torn between wanting to read as quickly as possible to find out what happens and wanting to savour the story. Helen Fields writes dark thrillers like no-one else, and this one didn't disappoint with the brutality of the murders or the suspense of the investigation. I also loved the way she wove real-life issues into the book, particularly the misogyny of a world where victims are usually women and killers usually men.

Watching You was ultimately a four-star, rather than a five-star read, for me because I had to suspend my disbelief a little with the ending. But I found it an absorbing read that I can't stop thinking about, and I am very much looking forward to discovering more of Helen Fields' backlist. Highly recommended.

This was a really engaging crime thriller featuring an increasing number of murders in Edinburgh which have the police baffled and so the call on the inimitable Connie Woolwine, a forensic profiler with very unconventional methods. Alongside this we learn about surgeon Beth who is reeling from the loss of her daughter and we learn just what pushed her daughter to the brink. There’s some much mystery as to what links the increasing number of murders throughout as well as chapters told by someone who clearly has Beth in his sights and his behaviour gets more concerning as the story progresses. The twist in this is fantastic and I only saw it right before the moment it was revealed. The characters are great and there’s some interesting dynamics and Connie herself makes for a fabulous read in her own right,

Fields at her best again. Twists that I never saw coming, characters I felt emotionally connected with. I'm in love with Lively. He's fabulous and as for Woolbine...I just wanna be her.

Ooooof, started with a bang and ended with a twist that I genuinely did not see coming! Did miss a few familiar faces from previous books, but hopefully they'll be back for the next!

#WatchingYou #NetGalley
Set against the moody, gothic backdrop of Edinburgh, Watching You is a tense and intelligently written thriller that delivers both psychological depth and high-stakes suspense. Helen Fields, known for her gripping police procedurals, introduces readers to a new, disturbing case—one that intertwines personal loss with relentless violence.
What I Liked::-
1 Gritty, Dark Atmosphere: Fields paints Edinburgh as a city cloaked in shadows, where danger lurks behind respectable facades. The sense of place adds to the constant feeling of dread.
2 Strong Female Characters: Surgeon Beth Waterfall is a compelling protagonist—haunted yet resilient. Dr Connie Woolwine, the forensic profiler, is equally captivating, offering sharp insight and emotional complexity.
3 Layered Plotting: The storyline unfolds with precision. The victims seem unconnected at first, but the web gradually tightens, leading to a truly satisfying reveal.
4 Themes of Grief and Obsession: Beth’s heartbreak over her daughter adds emotional weight, while the killer’s obsessive behavior keeps the psychological tension high.
Overall, Watching You is a dark, gripping thriller with a deeply emotional core. It blends meticulous crime investigation with a haunting psychological narrative. Helen Fields proves once again that she can deliver both shocks and substance, crafting characters you care about while unraveling a truly disturbing mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me an advance copy.

Oh my Helen has done it again - flipping brilliant 🤩
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. Creepy and twisted but I never saw that ending coming - tragic but wow!!!
I loved the very end 😀 no spoilers from me.
More please and if you haven’t read Helen’s books you are missing out but time.
If I could give 10 🌟 I would,
Thank you x

The body count is rising fast in Edinburgh and Dr Connie Woolwine 'Wooly' and Brodie Baarda are enlisted to bring their particular style of investigation to catch the killer.

Dr Beth Waterfall is grieving for a daughter - a beautiful and unique spirit who suffered a brutal regime of stalking and personal attacks before losing her life. Understandably, Beth Waterfall a surgeon at the local hospital, finds her world is rocked to the core and struggles massively to rebuild a life worth living.

There are some deeply unsettling characters in Watching You, Helen Fields breaths life into some of the most disturbed and depraved individuals - and also pens the bonkers Dr Connie Woolwine whose methods in this book are more out there than ever. Actually felt really quite sorry for Brodie Baarda in this one, he felt more like a taken for granted accessory.

The main policing team are great too, some really likeable characters among them and I enjoyed following Salter, Lively and Overbeck who set a balanced pathway alongside Connie Woolwine's more unconventional one.

There is A LOT packed into this book, with twists and turns that didn't see coming.

Twisty, turny, fast paced and thrilling. Absolutely everything I hope for in a Helen Fields story. Her plotting is superb and this opens with a build up body count as corpses turn up in unexpected places. Then the reader is hit with the prowling sense of menace as events are viewed from another perspective. The watcher is sinister but connections between the deaths are unclear. Bring in the old favourite team to help; Woolwine and Baarda add their distinctive touch to the investigations.

Helen Fields is a clever author. She depicts Edinburgh well; there’s a real sense of location which makes the setting familiar and plausible. And she’s using a cast of recurring characters in a slightly different way to usual. Readers will be familiar with a number of individuals in this story and aware that Callanach is away. The story is superb as a stand alone, but there are subtle character developments which are clear if the reader is familiar with earlier stories and series. I love this fresh take on a recurring theme. It keeps it fresh and with the skilful plotting, it’s real edge of your seat ride. I was literally breathless more than once. Just superb psychological thriller/ murder mystery in this race against time.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I think what makes this book is the characters, they're relatable, sometimes clichéd, but so incredibly interesting.
Add to that a string of deaths with no clues left behind, and it's a recipe for a great read.
Entertaining to the last page, and surprised me more than once.
Very very enjoyable but also very very scary how easy it is to hide behind a keyboard and destroy someone.