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.

Stella Darnell notices her partner Jack acting strange and hiding things, so she starts digging. She soon finds a connection to an old unsolved murder and someone still seeking revenge.

The story moves steady pace with plenty of London everyday details that feel real.

The characters are likeable and ordinary, with some gentle humour to lighten the darker parts.

The mystery is interesting and filled with drama, though the main twist might comes as a surprise that I didn't expect.

It’s a solid, easy-to-read crime book that mixes family life with a cold case.

It is a good british mystery and I enjoyed it

Having read all of the other books about Stella and Jack, I enjoyed reading this latest instalment. These detective stories are a bit quirky and almost always have some connection with the supernatural though they do not really focus on this aspect. The plot is well thought out and keeps you guessing, as usual, and the setting is very English, but that is part of the charm. It is nice to meet the same characters again and understand a bit more about their relationships in the past and the present. Solid quality.!

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t realise when I signed up for this tour that this was book 10 in the series. It took me a little while to get into as well, not sure if it was the writing style that took me a while to get the hang of but once I did, I flew through it.

Stella is a cleaner but also dabbles in investigating on the side. Her and her partner, Jack, end up in a bit of an argument about spiritualism and she storms off in her camper to a town that her police detective friend, Toni, is staying. Unfortunately, once she arrives she stumbles across a dead body! And the town is home to a once famous psychic who’s passed and her daughter carries on the legacy - seems she can’t escape it!

As I said, it took me about 25-30% to get into this, but once I got the hang of the way the author writes and how the story was unfolding I read the rest of the book in a day. It was a good standalone, there is some reference to previous cases the pair have been involved in, but enough background is given. However, if you struggled with the start as I did, reading the rest of the series would benefit.

The Shrine is the last book in a long series by Lesley Thomson, and it feels like a strong and confident addition. I already knew Stella and Jack from earlier books, but here they seemed even more vivid, just like the other main characters. Stella continues to fascinate me. She is sharp, private, slightly odd in the most charming way, and always alert to the small details other people miss. Following her thoughts is one of the real pleasures of the story.
I loved the dog, because there were always witty and light moments whenever he appeared. He brings humour and warmth in a very natural way.
The plot moves with a steady, engaging pace. The mystery unfolds through quiet clues, old secrets, and the kind of tension that hides under the surface of a peaceful village. Even when the story slows down, it never loses its pull. It is the kind of book where you promise yourself one more chapter and then suddenly realise you have read far more.
What I enjoyed most was the character development. Stella and Jack feel honest and vulnerable, and their emotional journeys are as compelling as the investigation itself. Their relationship continues to evolve in a believable and touching way.
A very good page turner and a satisfying conclusion to the series. It left me wanting to revisit the earlier books with fresh eyes.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine