This Detectives Daughter book features a cast of familiar characters, including some from Sussex.
It explores the murky world of mediums, and contacting dead people, while solving a cold case, and a present day murder.
At the start I was confused by the number of characters and the timelines, but very soon was engrossed.
Stella, a sceptic, is dismayed when Jack visits a psychic to find out more about his dead mother, and decides to have a break from him. She then ends up in a village where a well-known psychic is buried, and is embroiled in another case of deception, bringing danger to her, and Stanley, not to mention an ex who seems to be stalking her.
Along with Lucie May, and Toni from Sussex, and others, the case is finally solved very satisfactorily and Stella even has chance to use a spreadsheet.

Thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this book.

The Shrine is another absorbing addition to Lesley Thomson’s Detective’s Daughter series—rich in character, laced with dry humour, and anchored by a mystery that slowly tightens its grip. Even ten books in, Thomson proves she still has plenty of surprises up her sleeve.

Stella Darnell remains one of the most quietly compelling amateur sleuths in the genre: methodical, sceptical, and always slightly at odds with her own emotions. Her discovery that Jack has been secretly visiting a psychic sets the tone beautifully—personal tension layered with just enough unease to make you lean in. It’s a very human conflict, and Thomson handles it with subtlety.

The Gloucestershire setting adds a lovely shift in atmosphere. What begins as a much‑needed escape quickly turns into something far darker when a body is found at a shrine tied to a decades‑old death. The blend of local folklore, the lingering influence of a once‑famous psychic, and the village’s tightly held secrets creates a deliciously unsettling backdrop. Thomson excels at weaving past and present together, and this mystery is no exception.

What really shines is the balance: moments of wry, character‑based humour sit comfortably alongside the creeping tension of a cold case that refuses to stay buried. Stella’s dynamic with Toni Kemp is a highlight, and the slow unfurling of the revenge plot keeps the pages turning.

Atmospheric, layered, and quietly gripping, The Shrine is a strong entry in a series that continues to feel fresh. Perfect for readers who enjoy intelligent mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of the uncanny.

with thanks to Lesley Thomson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

Stella Darnell is the Detectives Daughter, a deep cleaning enthusiast with her own company and an unofficial detective alongside Jack Harmon, Stanley the toy poodle, Lucie May an aging hack and in this one DI Toni Kemp who they meet on their last case, set in Sussex. Now Stella is alone and reluctantly on a stake out. She should much rather be cleaning but this one is personal. How so? Her relationship with Jack is strained since he discovered spiritualism, there’s a chasm between them and the stake out? It’s the spiritualist church which Jack has been frequenting. The couple seem to be at an impasse, so Stella impulsively accepts a holiday offer from DI Toni Kemp. Stella heads to Gloucestershire in their renovated campervan but trouble always seems to follow her as she finds herself drawn into an investigation after Stella discovers a body propped up against the shrine where a woman died decades before. The place is Prestbury and the shadow of a well-known psychic hangs over the village. It seems someone is out for revenge but who and why? Stella is on the case ably assisted by Toni and others.

I like this series, well, I must do as I’ve read them all! They are definitely on the quirky side which is probably why they appeal to me because they’re different. I like Lesley Thomson’s wry and rather droll style of writing and the way the story is often told through the thoughts of either Jack or Stella which is usually very entertaining. These two characters themselves are on the quirky side as both have their obsessions. I mean who likes cleaning so much apart from Stella and Mrs. Hinch? Jack loves being an London underground driver and here his apparent obsession with spiritualism takes the storyline in several different directions. I love the dynamics between this pair which adds another strand for the storytelling. As for Stanley - adorable.

Initially, the different plots strands are bit confusing especially via the point of view of one of the characters in Gloucestershire but then I have a lightbulb moment and it all starts to come together. Stella and Jack’s past meets the present and fuses with events in Gloucestershire. Stanley plays a key role but don’t worry, he’s fine. There are plenty of plot twists interesting characters and quite a lot of mayhem to keep me reading on.

My only reservation is that it’s a bit long-winded at times but overall, it’s another good read in a series that I’ve become fond of and I always look forward to what’s happening to Stella, Jack, Stanley, Lucie et al.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Head of Zeus for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.