The Echo Man

OMG! This book should come with a warning **not for those of a nervous disposition**, but if like me you love a crime thriller, that’s dark, gristly, and twisted in equal measures then you are going to LOVE The Echo Man. This is Sam Holland’s debut novel and what an exciting debut it turned out to be. I picked it up and thought I would read the first chapter to get a feel for the book, and yet two hours later I was still reading! The author captures the reader’s attention from the off with a gristly crime scene that’s not for the squeamish.

I love a well depicted serial killer, and the author has created The Echo Man who I found horrifying, a killer who carries out the most heinous crimes. He copies the MOs of notorious serial killers from the past. His motive is slowly but surely revealed, heightening the suspense tenfold. Every crime thriller has to have a memorable detective. I liked the fact that Griffin isn’t a conventional, he’s obsessive, unpredictable, rough around the edges, complex and determined. This case is personal, and he’s more than happy to break the rules to catch The Echo Man. There are occasional, fascinating snippets that relate to the childhood of the serial killer, shedding light on the events and circumstances that can shape someone into a killer. As the killer becomes more confident and the killings escalate, you feel a genuine sense of urgency. 

I found the pacing perfect, a constant shifting of tension which reaches fever pitch as the book reaches a satisfying conclusion. One thing sure to keep my attention is when the author can write a story that not only keeps you gripped but one that also keeps you constantly guessing, never revealing too much in one go, which can often spoil a read. This book has everything I look for in a crime thriller, well-developed characters, exceptional writing, a twisted plot, gory crime scenes, a shocking story line with a depraved serial killer. The echo Man made for a chilling, addictive and deliciously dark read that I raced through. Sam Holland has a very disturbing and vivid imagination. I’m not sure how she sleeps at night! I will be following the author’s career with a keen interest, as I have a feeling The Echo Man is going to be a HUGE hit when it’s published next year. Would I recommend The Echo Man? You bet I would, it’s one of the best crime thrillers I’ve read in a long while.

OMG if you like your serial killers to be relentless, devious and twisted then you’re in for a great read. I’ve read many books of this genre but this one blew me away. The seemingly unconnected first few chapter coalesce into a tightly plotted, well written story with flawed characters and evil intent. One that will keep you up at night - but lock your doors and keep the lights on!

When you're reading a thriller by a new author you wonder whether you're going to have a rehash of things that have come before or something unique. This is the latter: a taut, chilling thriller that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. Coincidentally enough, considering this is a fresh voice in crime fiction, the killer in this thriller (wordplay extraordinaire there) is one who replicates other killers. The killings are intense in their description, the following of police procedures well written and, finally, the characters themselves - complex and nuanced. All in all, a fresh take on a well seasoned genre from an exciting new author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy of The Echo Man, a debut thriller set in an unnamed English location.

Jess Ambrose runs from the police when she becomes the prime suspect after her house is burned down and her husband dies. She runs to suspended police officer DS Nate Griffin, who suspects that the house fire is part of a countrywide series of murders. It doesn’t take them long to realise that the killer is echoing the methods of other notorious serial killers, hence the name Echo Killer, and that he is ramping up.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Echo Man which is a dark, violent and utterly compelling read. I was glued to the pages and read it in one sitting and that alone makes it worth 5*, because I currently have concentration problems and this is unprecedented in my troubled times.

The novel spends time at the beginning introducing the characters and setting the scene, so the reader gets to know the detectives, Jessica, Griffin and the Echo Man. This latter is mostly seen through reports from his childhood and the odd description of his thoughts and actions. It is a good approach as his voice is not pervasive and the full horror of his actions is seen through the reactions of the detectives. Somehow this has a greater impact than seeing it through his eyes.

The novel mainly follows the investigative team, led by DCI Cara Griffin, in full reactive mode. There are a lot of bodies so they barely have time to investigate each crime before being called to another scene. This nonstop action keeps the reader fully engrossed. Then there’s the ending. OMG, the twists in that are amazing and come like a bolt from the blue. I’m in awe of the author’s skill to keep it all hidden and then spring it on the reader. It’s hard to believe that this is a debut and I’m already anticipating the next one.

The characters, as in all good fiction, are troubled. Cara Griffin seems to be the most untroubled, but that doesn’t mean trouble doesn’t find her along the way. I like the way the author teases out their problems over the course of the novel.

The Echo Man is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Quite possibly the best book I’ve read in years. It’s dark, really dark, it has plot twists, it has murder, serial killers, grit, gruesome details, sickening details and is a book I just couldn’t put down!

The Echo Man by Sam Holland
Rating 4.8/5
Wow, what a rollercoaster of a plot and the characters just leap from the book. Definitely not for the faint hearted but if you are in the mood for a riveting, horrific, unbelievably chilling read, this is for you.
DI Cara Elliot is investigating a double murder then her word turns upside down, there is a serial killer loose. The body count starts to add up.
A fire breaks out in the home of Jess Ambrose, she escapes with her daughter but her husband dies. In hospital she is interviewed by a policeman, Noah Griffin. It turns out Griffin has been suspended but it is him who Jess turns to.
Is her husband’s death a murder?
Cara Elliot needs her brother Griffin onboard to help stop this serial killer who is copying historical serial killers before more lives are taken.
The characters are well developed throughout the novel with many unexpected and revealing facets. Damaged goods.
The Echo Man is a debut novel and Sam Holland is going to be listed with the top novelists. Highly recommended.
My sincere thanks to Sam Holland, HarperCollins and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this novel. In return I have given an unbiased and honest review.

Quite simply astonishing, one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Taking the serial killer genre to a new level. The complexity of the plot adds to the tension which builds to a brilliant finish.
Cracking debut!

First of all a huge thankyou to Harper Collins for the chance to read and review this fabulous novel. I could not put this book down even though the graphic explanations of the crimes sickened me I wanted to carry in reading to find out what happened next. From early on I actually guessed who the killer was but then kept convincing myself it was someone else. I have no idea how the author got inspiration and thought processes for the novel but OMG I hope they write more. This has to be one of the best books that I have read this year and I hope we see more of DCI Cara Elliott, Griffin and Jess 😊

Brilliant book! Definitely a page turner, keeping me gripped to the end.
The characters are well developed and you can believe in their various relationships, which is key to this. It is not just a formulaic detective novel but a very intriguing story with a marvellous twist at the end.
In my mind, this book is up there with the best Alex Cross stories with its cleverly woven action.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Wow! What a ride. I struggled to put this book down, even at 2am! This is a perfect example of this genre and a great debut novel. I thought I had the ending sussed out but was completely wrong as another twist was thrown my way. The characters were well rounded and believable and the plot was exciting and fast paced. 5 stars from me!

You know the way sometimes when you’re an eager thriller reader that occasionally you get a bit of thriller fatigue.
That is not going to happen with this book, it’s brilliant, a really good serial killer who is copying other serial killers. Whoa! There’s some body count in this book. And I loved it.
It kept me guessing as to the identity of the Echo man, brilliantly conceived!
And as for the ending - double wow!
I hope we see more of Detective Elliott in the future and Griffin too.
I felt the wee love (sex) thing between Jess and Griffin was unnecessary.
I am so looking forward to more by Sam Holland and if this is his/her debut novel then we have great things to look forward to!

Many thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advance read.

This is a great read. Quite heavy in parts with a brutal plot. A number of great characters I’d like to read more about, and follow their stories.
Dark, harrowing, and just what you want from a crime thriller. Would recommend.

A copycat serial killer dubbed The Echo Man is on the loose and he isn't going to stop until his plan has ran full course. With 2 Detectives racing against the clock to find the killer, a woman on the run wrongly accused of murdering her Husband and a disgraced Detective with an axe to grind, will they manage to connect the dots in time and stop the bodies from piling up!? ...

I mean what a debut!! Sam Holland is definitely going to be a name to look out for next year. I absolutely love a good psychological thriller and believe me when I say that this is up there with the best! It is gruesome, dark, tense, and utterly gripping, I couldn't put it down. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if this gets made into a TV series. It really is that good!

Huge thank you to @netgalley @harperfiction and @samhollandbooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review, The Echo Man is out April 2022. This is not one to be missed!

A stunning, original and emotional serial killer thriller. I was fully drawn to the brilliant premise, and it delivered on all counts. This book is seriously dark and uncompromising, hugely gripping, and also has believable characters who you care about and empathise with. I loved Griffin and Jess, especially. The ending is so good: shocking and harrowing, and made me feel all the feelings. One of the best crime books I’ve read in a long time, and surely destined to be HUGE in 2022. So glad I read this book.

4.5 rounded up

A killer who sets horrific tableaux as a perverted homage and DCI Cara Elliott and DS Noah Deakin investigate. An arson attack in which a man dies, his wife Jess Ambrose on the run as police believe she is responsible. She teams up with suspended detective Nate Griffin who doesn’t believe she committed the crime and she makes a mind blowing link between the cases and thus is born ‘The Echo Man’.

Wow. Some debut authors enter the fiction ring with a whimper, Sam Holland enters with one heck of a bang. Follow that! This is one of those jaw dropping, eye popping, spine tingling, hair raising reads that grips me from beginning to end. It’s jet black dark and not for the faint hearted that’s for sure as there’s brutality that shocks to the core as the investigators are on the hunt for someone who is so cruel and barbaric but so clever your heart sinks at the seeming impossibility of the task. The characterisation is excellent, there’s a good mixture from Cara torn between the needs of family and the demands of her job to some damaged souls bent on self destruction some of which is so tragically heartbreaking it takes your breath away. The dynamics are very good and you see the push and pulls, likes and dislikes all too clearly. It’s well written, the pace is excellent, speeding up and down appropriately. There’s so much tension and suspense you might need oxygen supplies and the twists, yes, the twists. Talk about fool me once, fool me twice with clever red herrings. The end is similarly twisty but do I like it? I’m not sure ... but overall this is an incredible read. I’d say this is a sure fire best seller and kudos to Sam Holland.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, HarperFiction for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love true crime, my perfect evening is cuddling up in a nice warm blanket with a true crime documentary or book. So, it is not surprise that Sam Holland's 'The Echo Man' screamed out to me.

Here is what I thought...

What a debut!!! I can already see this being an instant hit, number one bestseller, and a movie being planned as I speak!

I was blown away with 'The Echo Man', such a clever concept which was executed to perfection with a plot that keeps you guessing and guessing! I completely fell in love with the complicated characters, especially Nate Griffin - disgraced cop, and Jessica Ambrose, a fierce woman dedicated to clearing her name.

Whilst it is definitely not for the faint of heart, if you are looking for a crime thriller with plenty of twists, well written characters and more murders than I can count then this is the book for you!

This is one of the best serial killer thrillers I’ve read in a really long time!
I really hope there will be a follow up book as I would love to see more from this cast of characters.
Dark, gritty and as disturbing as it is engrossing!
Brilliant
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OH MY GOSH this book. It was dark, disturbing, creepy and unpredictable. It was gripping and it hooked me and just would not let go until I finished it. It was unpredictable twisty and relentless and I could not get enough of it. I loved it

I have been going through a bit of a slump and was really struggling to find a thriller type book that actually engaged me and kept me interested enough to even just get to the 3rd chapter....... and then I was lucky enough to be allowed a pre release copy of this! From the 1st page, I was hooked. This book went everywhere with me and took up every spare second I had. The overall premise was so simple but also something I'd never come across before and it didn't have any of the cliche character types you can often find in these police/ murder/ who dunnit types. The writing keeps the book flowing at such a good pace, nothing is rushed but there's also no filler paragraphs or droning on just to get the word count up! I was just obsessed with this and possibly even more so because, like many others atm, I do love true crime!! So that little nod to the true crime world was really appreciated and enjoyed. What else can I say? It's everything a thriller should aspire to be. Completely unique and original, this is a whole new level of thriller and be prepared to clear your schedule so you can focus on reading more of this book. It will be your priority over your job, kids and housework. And you won't regret a second if it. My only complaint was that on finishing the book, I rushed to amazon to download everything the author has ever wrote, only to find that this is a debut novel?! I don't even know how someone can launch their writing career from such a high starting point. All I can hope is that they continue to produce many more books in the years to come! The name Sam Holland deserves to be up there with the Koontz, Slaughter, Connolly, Deaver and so on. I'm so greatful for this book, it has reminded exactly why I love reading so much

When Jess Ambrose goes to bed one night, she doesn’t realise her life is about to change. She is woken to find her house ablaze. She is lucky she escapes the fire with her daughter. But her husband Patrick is less fortunate dies in the fire, and she is accused of his murder. Instead of staying and arguing her innocence she runs. only suspended detective Nate Griffins thinks she is innocent and lets her hide at his flat. While they both get involved in the investigation with Nate’s sister DI Cara Elliot as SIO. They discover there is a serial killer on the loose. Who is copying other killers like Peter Sutcliffe and Ted Bundy?
Wow The Echo Man by Sam Holland is the most graphic, sadistic story I have read in a long time. This is not for the faint hearted. But I couldn’t help but keep on reading. This story was dark and disturbing multi layered story full of twists and kept me guessing. I hope there is another book in this series. I would love to see another story with Nate Griffin and Cara Elliot in it as I think they make a great team. I thought this is a brilliant debut novel from the author. 5 stars from me.

wow! What a book! introducing one of the most twisted, deprived, evil characters I’ve ever read. yes it has a few cliches but for a first novel it was absolutely brilliant. and I only hope there is more to come. My thanks to the publisher and net galley to read and review..

Wow, this is a page turner!

The story begins with a house fire in which Jess Ambrose's husband is killed - an arson attack which the police blame on Jess, causing her to go on the run from hospital. Disgraced detective Nate Griffin believes that Jess is innocent and tries to help her. Together, Jess and Griffin spot a horrific link between some gruesome and brutal murders. It seems that someone is copying famous serial killer murders from the past...and they aren't about to stop their reign of terror.

It sounds strange to say I loved this book because it is so shocking - but I absolutely found it compelling and totally immersive. I literally could not put it down and read it in one sitting - on reflection, not the best idea as it contains some very disturbing rapes and murders. This is not one for the faint-hearted or with certain triggers, especially around gendered violence. However, I felt like the pages were turning themselves as I held my breath!

For fans of true crime, there is a lot of familiar ground here as (along with Jess and Griffin) you begin to spot the connections between the crimes in the book and the real life brutalities. The body count in the novel is extremely high and this keeps the pace going at full tilt throughout - added to by the fact that Jess is on the run and the police are not far behind.

Alongside the Jess strand of the story is a much more traditional police procedural element with investigations being led by DCI Cara Elliott and DS Noah Deakin. This was much more comfortable ground for me and the reason I wanted to read this book - it's my genre of choice. I loved the depth of characterisation in Cara in particular as she struggled with her family commitments and her need to bring a savage killer to justice. Her relationships with Deakin and maverick Griffin are also well managed.

I actually cannot believe that this is a debut novel as the confidence with which the story strands are managed is incredible. It's also clearly meticulously researched, both in regards to the real life murders and the police procedures - although the police are a bit lax in the way that Jess gets so close to the investigation! There are maybe a few implausible moments, but the pace and the twists mean that it is impossible to dwell on them for long and they never detract from the story.

I'd recommend this highly to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced and terrifying thriller. It is incredibly gruesome and disturbing so read with caution if you are of a nervous disposition - you may well never sleep again! It is, however, also genuinely surprising and (especially the ending) totally shocking for so many reasons.

Thanks to NetGalley for my chance to read this book ahead of the April publication date. Opinions, as always, are entirely my own.