Eve Singer is a crime journalist who is constantly under pressure from her editor to share exclusive reports from the most sensational and lurid crimes taking place in London. Her life is made even more stressful through having to care for her father who is suffering from dementia. Meanwhile, murders are taking place as people are doing their Christmas shopping and Eve is getting an inside scoop on the where and the when, to her and her cameraman’s horror and her editor’s delight.

With a particularly creepy villain and a sense that Eve is living in a permanent state of tension, this is an incredibly compelling story to listen to and enjoy, helped by having a really good narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bolinda audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

🎧Audio Book Review🎧


The Beautiful Dead
Belinda Bauer

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Despite having two books by this author on my bookshelf - this is the first book that I've actually read - and what a brilliant one to start with!

This instantly grabs our attention with not only a brutal murder scene - but then to introduce us to both our main characters - the murderer and the squeamish but story-hungry TV crime reporter, Eve.
After feeling she was being followed, Eve asks the creepy man behind her to walk her home.
She doesn't know who he is - but he now knows that they are in this together!

I loved the concept of this story as we focus more on the killer and the way that media plays to his needs. He wants an audience and Eve can give him this.
It really made me wonder about the way we all use media in the present day too and how people crave the need to be seen.

Our killer then takes advantage of this strange relationship that he and Eve have and they take us on a journey through multiple inventive murders.
This is pretty descriptive and quite gory in places - but I loved seeing how the killer managed to advertise and perform his "art", whilst also evading any kind of suspicion or capture.

I even found that I was chuckling along with him as he managed to completely "disappear" right from under the police noses on a couple of occasions - yes! I did have to pause and wonder why I was so amused that he's got away again! ?!

The characters were all so well drawn and I absolutely loved the transformation that Eve went through from start to finish.
The final scenes just showing how much strength she really had all along.

The writing style had me completely hooked throughout. Although this seemed fairly slow burn, there was never any lull.
With the many murders keeping this moving forward constantly and the development of this almost cat and mouse chase to capture the killer - I really couldn't put this one down.

This was complex and twisty but so cleverly plotted and I loved it all - I can't wait for my next read by this author and really must get round to those books on my shelf soon....


💕Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my ARC copy - this is my honest review 💕

This title has reminded me that I must catch up on Belinda Bauer; I read and enjoyed one of her earlier titles some years ago and The Beautiful Dead gp has reminded me how well she writes. I listened to the Audi version, so well narrated with a balanced and occasionally creepy delivery that added to the tension. The artwork on the cover is brilliant and drew my attention to the title immediately.

This is a multi layered story, driven by both character and plot. Eve is a journalist, following a murder story. She’s a conflicted character, struggling to look after her father, who has dementia. As a sub story, that aspect just adds to the reality; so many women carry out demanding jobs whilst maintaining domestic responsibilities. I liked Eve and my heart went out to her more than once, Alongside the character driven side is a twisted and well constructed plot. A gripping thriller that kept my attention throughout and delivered everything I wanted. Absorbing, intelligent and plausible. A great listen.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

Belinda Bauer’s The Beautiful Dead is a gripping and chilling thriller that lures you in slowly and then refuses to let go. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the audiobook narration, but as the story deepened, I found that the narrator’s unsettling tone and cadence actually enhanced the eerie atmosphere of the novel, adding a layer of tension that made the experience even more immersive.
The story follows Eve Singer, a dedicated crime reporter juggling a demanding career with caring for her father, who is suffering from dementia. Eve is a complex and deeply human protagonist — ambitious, conflicted, and burdened with real emotional struggles. Her evolving partnership with her cameraman, Joe, adds heart and warmth to the otherwise grim world she inhabits.
Bauer does a brilliant job weaving psychological depth into the narrative. The depiction of Eve’s relationship with her father is particularly poignant — both tender and painfully realistic. These quieter moments of vulnerability contrast sharply with the escalating menace of a serial killer who chooses Eve as his mouthpiece, sending her horrific murder footage that her news station is disturbingly eager to air.
The villain is terrifying — twisted, unpredictable, and unnervingly methodical. His obsession with Eve raises the stakes with each chapter, building toward a tense, edge-of-your-seat climax that is both explosive and satisfying.
There’s no shortage of action, moral dilemmas, or emotional depth here. Bauer's talent lies in blending the horror of crime with the messiness of human relationships, crafting a story that feels both cinematic and intimate.
Whether you're a seasoned crime fiction fan or new to the genre, The Beautiful Dead is an intense, smart, and emotionally charged ride that’s well worth taking — especially in audio, where the narration truly breathes life into the story’s haunting corners.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy.

This was such an intriguing read. I loved the premise. It was highly entertaining and kept my focus throughout.

Eve is a tv journalist that likes to get to the next big story first and fast. Eve is always wanting to be first on the scene her journalistic nose pushing Eve into uncomfortable situations. Eve getting older with younger and younger journalists hot on her heels Eve finds herself forever pushing boundaries. Eve finds herself inadvertently on the hunt for a serial killer who likes to think of these murders as his very own form of art.

The premise of this book is what hooked me, regrettably for me it fell a little short. I did enjoy the thread throughout of Eve caring for her elderly parent whom has dementia. I guess I was waiting for a twist that didn't really arrive.

It was my first book by this author and although this may have not been my favorite, it was an enjoyable read and I will look out for other books by the same author.

The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer
Eve Singer works as a TV crime reporter on iWitness. This is a tough, precarious and stressful job where her editor wants the goriest photographs and the most dramatic interviews. Eve is struggling with caring for her father who has dementia and also with other younger journalists snapping at her heels. I listen to the audiobook and the narrator had a doom-laden voice he was very interesting to listen to, but his tone did occasionally sound overdramatic. There was no let up in the horror throughout the novel.
Eve finds herself involved in the serial killers plans for his victims and it is up to her to assist the police and bring him to justice. In doing so she places her father at risk and puts her own life in jeopardy. Eve has to begin to think like a cold blooded in order to be able to bring him to justice. The motivation for the serial killer is unusual but there is also a nod to Psycho in the motivation of the murderer.
This is the story of a woman pushed to the brink of what she is able to survive and there are some unpleasant misogynistic characters. I would recommend the narrator and the story kept you engaged to the end.

Thank you to Bolinda Audio, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in return for an honest review

Although this book first came out in 2016, the audiobook is only just being published this year on 1st August. If you have already read the printed version back when it was released 9 years ago, I strongly recommend revisiting this book in the audio format. Andrew Wincott delivers a nuanced performance, his voice adding psychological intensity to the contrast between the journalist’s inner conflict and the killer’s chilling detachment.

Belinda Bauer’s writing is sharp and immersive, she has a remarkable ability to pull the reader into her characters' inner worlds while maintaining a taut, propulsive pace. The tension builds steadily, blending psychological depth with procedural grit and her dark wit adds dimension without ever undercutting the emotional stakes. The Beautiful Dead manages to be both a crime thriller and a commentary on the ethics of sensationalism in media, all wrapped in Bauer’s elegant prose.

Disappointingly, I have not seen any discussion about the beautiful black and yellow cover art featuring butterflies 🦋 so here are my own thoughts. Just as butterflies are caught, pinned and immobilised, the killer seeks to preserve moments of death in a perfect, stylised tableau. The comparison underlines his obsession with control and aestheticising violence.

Bauer's 2018 book 'Snap' features the same Detective, Veronica Creed, this time as a senior officer. There doesn't appear to be any plot continuation, so each book can be read independently.

Highly recommended for fans of intelligent crime fiction with complex characters and moral ambiguity.

#TheBeautifulDead #NetGalley

As someone who's enjoyed several of Belinda Bauer’s previous novels, I was excited to receive an advance copy of The Beautiful Dead. Bauer is known for her sharp prose and psychological insight, so the premise—dark, unsettling, and full of potential—had me intrigued from the start.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite land for me. While the concept is strong, the execution lacked the depth and drive I’ve come to expect from her work. I struggled to connect with the characters, which made it difficult to stay invested in the story. Pacing-wise, it dragged in places, and some key developments didn’t feel as impactful as they could have.

That said, Bauer’s writing style remains compelling, and I appreciate her willingness to take creative risks. This might still resonate with readers new to her work or those drawn to more subdued thrillers.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Never have I ever … read anything written by Belinda Bauer and never have I ever … read a book quite like this.

Eve is a journalist who is struggling to keep her face in the spotlight of the incredibly competitive ‘meat beat’, as a crime reporter her job is, in effect … death. The killer believes his job is also death.

I mean, what a premise … it’s great, as is the execution. I was lucky enough to be provided with an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review and the narration was flawless. Thank-you Netgalley, it was quite the ride, highly recommended.

Eve SInger is a crime reporter who is worried that she is aging out of the business, She is upset that there is another younger version of her always waiting to fill her spot, and angry that this never sems to happen to the male reporters, like her nemesis, Guy. There is a spat of murders that everyone is trying to get the edge on and through a random encounter, Eve finds herself the recipient of intel regarding the crime that no one else has. Eve quickly realizes that the killer is corresponding with her and as she tries to figure out what he wants, she finds herself and those she loves in danger. Can she help unveil a killer before more deaths occur.

This was a good road trip listen. It had enough depth to keep you listening and trying to figure out then ending as you went. The characters were well written and the narrator did a great job. I would definitely be interested in more books by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley, the audihouse, narraor and the author for the opportunity to listen to a complimentary copy of this audiobook in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

Beautiful Dead is one of the weaker books from Belinda Bauer, but it’s still a fast-paced and readable thriller. It has plenty of action and vivid, often gory detail that keeps the momentum going. However, it’s spoiled by clichéd characters and unrealistic plot lines, some of which stretch credibility to the extent that makes it harder to stay fully engaged. That said, the narration was clear and well-delivered, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Belinda Bauer writes a beautifully dark tale and this is no exception. A serial killer who believes he needs to kill so that he may continue to live and believes he is creating great works of art through each death. His obsession with a journalist puts her family and friends’ lives at risk. This is one to devour in as fast as time as possible. A thoroughly disturbing book

My first book by this author, and it was an entertaining enough read, although it lacked any real twists that you wouldn't see coming.

It starts chillingly, with a murder almost in public, a woman who so almost gets away from the killer, only to be caught in the best slasher victim way at the last moment, helplessly screaming at the oblivious people who walk on by, too caught up in their own lives and their Christmas plans to notice the woman being gutted on the other side of the glass.

The fact that this takes place in December, running up to Christmas should have created more of a contrast between the horrific murders and the festive vibes. Apart from Eve constantly thinking she needed to get presents and some struggles with the Christmas tree, there wasn't really much of that, which felt like a wasted opportunity for the setting. (apart from the end, but I'll touch on that in a mo)

The chapters told in the PoV of the victims were some of the most powerful. The writer has a brilliant talent for making you care about a character, to quickly flesh them out, give them motivations, hopes, dreams. To make you root for them, even as you know they are about to be brutally murdered.

The scenes of Eve and her father were powerful, and painful, and although there were some things about the portrayal of dementia that doesn't stand up to current thinking.

Some of the other characters however, were less fleshed out. Her boss in particular was very flat, the abrasive, almost abusive boss always screaming or smoking, swearing, willing to do whatever it takes for the story.

The whole thing reads a little like a warning of the dangers of social media, of being 'on' twenty four seven.

I was surprised by how.... positively it ended. I kept expecting some twist and it never happened, instead there was a Christmas moment that was out of place of the rest of the story.

There were also a couple of scenes were I was way ahead of the characters and impatiently waiting to catch up. Nothing happened that took me by surprise, and I am not an experienced thriller reader by any means - I've read a handful, but it isn't my main genre.

The narrator was fantastic. He had a silky, honey voice that works so well with the text and captures the desire of the killer to create beautiful 'art'.

I really enjoyed The Beautiful Dead audiobook by Belinda Bauer. If you’ve read or listened to her earlier books like Blacklands or Rubbernecker, you’ll know she’s great at mixing suspense with strong characters. This one follows crime reporter Eve Singer as she digs into some seriously creepy murders. Bauer’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, and Andrew Wincott does a good job narrating—he really brings the story and characters to life. It’s tense, clever, and totally gripping. Definitely a great listen if you’re into psychological thrillers!

Eve reports on death but accidentally meets a killer who then decides she should report on all his murders. Very tense novel with a very creepy killer. What is his ultimate aim and can he be stopped?

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent characters in this well paced, twisty crime novel. Eve must stay strong and alert if she is not to be a victim.

I got off to a pretty rocky start with this one. A real slow burn in the beginning and to be honest I wasn’t sure that I’d stick with it, then suddenly.and I can’t really pinpoint where I was hooked.

Eve is a true crime reporter, her career is falling through the cracks a bit, there are younger reporters snapping at her heels, and male reporters eager to knock her off her perch. Between the struggle of chasing the next story and caring for her father, life is rough. Suddenly though it seems there’s a new serial killer on the loose, one who seems to have Eve in mind to tell his story, when she becomes part of his story the book really takes off.

Gruesome, smart and binge worthy, if you can stick with this, you’ll reap the rewards.

Andrew Wincott narrates brilliantly!

My gratitude to Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

I listened to the audiobook version of this book.

It’s a good murder story with some pretty gruesome murders.
The narrator has a pleasant voice and kept my attention going throughout .
As the story unfolded I just wanted to keep listening to find out how it would end!
This was my first Belinda Bauer book, but it won’t be the last!
Thank you to NetGalley, Belinda Bauer and Bolinda Audio for my advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Belinda is one of my favourite authors and I was intrigued to listen to this book, published some years ago, to see how her writing has changed. The answer is that she has always been a brilliant author, with twists and turns, to the point that I could barely breath near the end of this. Great narration as well.

An interesting read / listen from Belinda Bauer whose books I always enjoy ( this review is for the audiobook).

This quickly caught my attention. It differed from the usual crime drama in that the actual crimes were almost a back story albeit quite gruesome in their description.

A large proportion of this book is how the lead, a crime TV journalist ( who appears to think she is past it at 29!!!) has responsibility for caring for her father who has early onset dementia. This is very well portrayed from both parties viewpoint. The flashes of insight that he has from time to time are heartbreaking in their accuracy.

I was enthralled on the whole by this book although it did feel a little drawn out during the final 25%.

I'd definitely reccomend this to those wanting a different take on the more usual police v bad guys storyline.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARAC which was very much appreciated.