Member Reviews

A murder mystery created around a podcast - quite an original concept.. The podcast team work really well together, each with their own take and this creates a plot full of suspects and twists. The case they take on is a triple murder committed 16 years ago with now no suspects.
Some lighter moments are centred around Rosie, a delightful character.
I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the twist at the end. An excellent thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

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I really enjoyed the latest novel by Susan Lewis, it was slightly different to the usual style of her novels, this time focusing on a true crime podcaster, Christy, who sets out to solve a cold case murder at Kellon Manse several years before.

At times emotional, this was a gripping read which had you on the edge of your seat throughout - i would recommend to friends and family.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A bit of a slower one then Susan Lewis books are normally…..Christy is a podcaster and is looking into an old case of a murder….interviews and lots of characters later things are not always as they seem. Easy to read but a bit dull and I didn’t really like the main character or get to know other characters as much either.

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Another great read from Susan Lewis. I enjoyed the plot line and the characters, and love that this sounds to be the start of a new series.
I pretty much guessed the twist but enjoyed this book very much in spite of that!

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Podcast producer Christy award, is making a podcast on an unsolved triple murder case.

16 years ago, after the police had the case they were building shut down, the suspected killer walked free and the case remained unsolved. Can Christy and her team solve the case all this time later. Or will they be shut down too?

Another fab read from Susan Lewis. Twists and turns, that will keep you reading and guessing as the story unfolds and Christy and her team work to solve the case.
Told through main character POV and snippets from the podcast, made for an interesting read. Although I’ve read several of this style of book now so it seems a popular method.

I think the audio version of this will be amazing to listen to

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I’m a huge fan of Susan Lewis and always love her books but this one was a very slow starter for me and a few times I considered giving up. I’m so glad I kept going with it as it turned out to a great read.
Christy Ward and her colleagues are true crime podcasters and are reporting on The Kellon Manor Murders. A triple murder that has been unsolved for 16 years. Lexie her mother and lexies therapist were shop dead in their home and
Lexies 10 year old daughter has disappeared.
Will Christie and Conner and the team be able to finally give answers to what happened on that fateful day.
I only gave four stars for the slow starter but definitely kept me guessing as to the outcome once I got into it.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

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Follows Christy Ward as she stumbles across an unresolved triple murder case for her next true crime podcast feature
The Kellon. manse murders happened 16 years ago, where a mother, daughter & family friend were brutally murdered.
Will Christy and her colleague, Connor be able to solve the case.?
There are lots of suspects and plenty of twists, I was trying to figure out whodunnit all the way through and loved the true crime podcast premise and that we got to see more of Christy’s personal life
It’s a chunky read but well worth it if you enjoy mystery thrillers and true crime podcasts
Thanks @susanlewisbooks, @harperfiction & @netgalley for the thrilling read

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I do like Susan Lewis as an author, but unfortunately this one just didn’t work for me.
The synopsis sounded good, and is relatable to the day to day. A group of podcasters come together to try and solve cold-cases.
It was slow to start, and unfortunately this carried on throughout. The characters were many, and not enough time was spent on making them individuals. They didn’t have enough depth or personality to immediately differentiate between them, which made it harder to follow. I can’t even say it was a slow burn as it never really got going.
I’m sure someone will enjoy this, it just wasn’t for me.

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Sadly I just couldn't get into this one. There were far too many characters and I struggled to remember who was who. The storyline did pick up a little in the middle but the beginning was very slow.

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I was weary upon knowing that the book was based on a group of podcasters being the ones to inevitably solve the crime but there was a good storyline making the read rather enjoyable.

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An engrossing book that covers an intriguing cold case alongside everyday life, as the producers of a podcast try to uncover the truth behind three brutal murders.

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Susan Lewis is one of my favourite authors but I just couldnt get in to this book. I found the plot just too slow, and the number of characters just too hard to keep track of.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

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Christy Ward and her colleagues are true crime podcasters and reevaluate the Kellon Manse Murders which have remained unsolved for 16 years. Lexie was killed in a triple murder, along with her mum and therapist and her 10 year old sister, Amelia has disappeared. Lexie’s husband was the main suspect, but no one was ever convicted.
The investigation gains traction but it seems someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. A fast paced thriller, with lots of red herrings and twists.

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**Nothing to See Here** by **Susan Lewis** is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that deftly combines elements of mystery, family drama, and social commentary. Set in both contemporary and historical contexts, the book tackles themes of grief, family secrets, and the complexity of human relationships, all while keeping the reader invested in an intriguing, layered narrative.

### Plot Overview:
The story centers on **Maggie**, a woman who, after the death of her father, returns to the small town where she grew up. Upon her return, she discovers that her father’s death was not as straightforward as she had been led to believe. Maggie soon finds herself uncovering hidden truths about her family’s past, including a deep-seated secret that has been buried for decades. As Maggie digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her father's death, she is forced to confront her own painful history and the complicated relationships with her family members.

The novel alternates between Maggie’s investigation in the present day and flashbacks to her childhood, offering a glimpse into her formative years and the events that shaped her perception of her family and herself. As Maggie pieces together the truth about her father’s past, she also learns more about herself and her emotional resilience.

While the story has elements of mystery and suspense, it is primarily a character-driven exploration of how personal history, family ties, and unresolved trauma shape a person’s life. Maggie’s emotional journey, as she comes to terms with the past and her identity, is central to the narrative.

### Character Development:
One of the standout features of *Nothing to See Here* is its well-developed, relatable characters. Maggie, the protagonist, is a flawed yet deeply sympathetic character. Her return to her childhood town and the emotional baggage she carries from her past make her a complex figure who evolves throughout the novel. Her investigative journey is as much about uncovering family secrets as it is about reconciling with her own grief and trauma. Her vulnerability, strength, and determination resonate with readers, and her transformation over the course of the novel feels earned and authentic.

The supporting characters, particularly those from Maggie’s family, add layers of complexity to the story. Maggie’s relationship with her mother, in particular, is fraught with tension, as both women struggle to communicate and understand each other. The tension between them is emblematic of the broader theme of unresolved family conflicts and generational trauma. Maggie’s relationship with her father, who remains a central figure even after his death, also plays a significant role in her emotional journey.

In addition to the family members, the secondary characters help shape the narrative’s themes of secrecy and discovery. Their individual stories provide insights into the broader themes of grief, loss, and healing, making the novel feel richly textured.

### Writing Style:
Susan Lewis’s writing is emotional and evocative, with a strong focus on character development. The prose is accessible but layered with enough complexity to keep readers engaged. Lewis effectively uses the dual timelines of Maggie’s present-day investigation and her childhood memories to create a narrative that unfolds gradually, offering both mystery and depth.

The pacing is steady, with the author striking a balance between the unraveling of the central mystery and the emotional arcs of the characters. The moments of suspense are well-timed, creating a sense of anticipation without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

Lewis’s skill in capturing the emotional undercurrents of the novel is one of its greatest strengths. The tension between Maggie’s desire to uncover the truth and her reluctance to confront painful memories is palpable, making her journey feel both relatable and poignant.

### Themes:
1. **Grief and Loss**: The theme of grief runs throughout the novel, from Maggie’s mourning for her father to her exploration of the unresolved grief in her family’s past. The novel examines how different characters cope with loss and how it shapes their actions and decisions.

2. **Family Secrets**: At the heart of the story is the idea of secrets—particularly family secrets—and the damage they cause. Maggie’s search for truth brings to light hidden aspects of her family’s past, forcing her to reckon with the lies that have shaped her life. The novel delves into how families can both shelter and betray each other through their unspoken histories.

3. **Identity and Self-Acceptance**: Maggie’s journey is not just about uncovering family secrets; it’s also about coming to terms with who she is and how she fits into the complex web of her family’s history. The novel touches on the struggle for self-acceptance, especially when one’s identity is entangled with the pain and secrets of the past.

4. **Generational Trauma**: The book explores how trauma is passed down from one generation to the next. Maggie’s attempts to understand her father’s behavior, as well as the relationships within her family, highlight the impact of unresolved issues and how they continue to affect future generations.

### Emotional Impact:
*Nothing to See Here* is a deeply emotional read that touches on universal themes of loss, betrayal, and the quest for truth. Maggie’s journey is both painful and redemptive, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in her quest for closure and understanding. The emotional depth of the story ensures that it resonates long after the final page is turned.

The themes of family secrets and generational trauma may hit particularly hard for readers who have experienced similar challenges in their own families. The novel’s exploration of how people cope with grief and how the past can shape one’s sense of self is poignant and thought-provoking.

### Final Thoughts:
*Nothing to See Here* by Susan Lewis is a rich, emotionally engaging novel that skillfully blends family drama with mystery and suspense. The book’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative and its exploration of universal themes, such as grief, family dynamics, and the impact of secrets. Maggie’s emotional journey is both relatable and deeply moving, and her search for truth serves as a vehicle for broader reflections on the complexities of family relationships and personal healing.

For fans of emotional, character-driven stories with a touch of mystery, *Nothing to See Here* is an absorbing and thought-provoking read. Susan Lewis’s skill in blending suspense with deep emotional insight makes this a book that will resonate with a wide range of readers. Whether you’re drawn to family dramas, psychological mysteries, or stories of personal transformation, *Nothing to See Here* offers a compelling and rewarding reading experience.

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Podcasters Christy Ward and her team try to solve a triple murder from 2008- a mother, her daughter Lexi and Lexi’s friend were brutally murdered. Lexi’s younger daughter goes missing and her husband is arrested but later released. The murder remains unresolved 16 years later, Christy and her team set out to solve the murder and to find out what happened to Lexi’s daughter Amelia.

I really like Susan Lewis’s books and was really excited to read this book. I enjoyed the storyline but the book was slightly longer than it needed to be- It was very slow paced but I continued reading. There were parts that I did enjoy but overall it wasn’t the easiest of books to read, despite this I will still continue to read Susan Lewis’s books. This book just wasn’t for me.

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#NothingToSeeHere #NetGalley
Susan Lewis delivers a gripping and fast-paced crime thriller in Nothing to See Here, a novel that captivates from the first page with its intriguing premise—especially appealing to fans of true-crime podcasts. The story centers on Christy Ward, the lead producer of the Hindsight podcast, as she dives into the cold case of a 2008 triple murder. The victims included Lexie Gaudion, her mother, and her therapist, while Lexie's young daughter, Amelia, vanished without a trace. The prime suspect, Lexie’s husband, David, was released without trial, leaving the case unresolved. Sixteen years later, Christy and her team are determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
The narrative is expertly crafted, with Christy and her colleague Connor Church conducting interviews with key figures connected to the case. Each interview reveals new, tantalizing details, and as their podcast episodes gain popularity, the influx of tips from listeners adds layers of suspense and complexity to the investigation. Christy's personal life provides an emotional undercurrent to the story. Her complicated feelings toward David Gaudion, the man at the center of the case, create tension, especially as she grapples with the betrayal of her ex-husband, Matthew. Adding to her challenges is the awkward friendship she finds herself navigating with Matthew’s much younger wife, who is overly eager to bond with her. These personal struggles enrich Christy’s character, making her journey both relatable and compelling. The book’s structure mirrors a true-crime podcast, with suspense building as Christy and Connor uncover shocking truths about the case and its players. The unexpected twists and turns keep readers engaged, and the ultimate resolution is both surprising and satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction for giving me an advance copy.

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Would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

Oh wow a totally different book from this author but man it kicks a punch and leaves you wanting more

A brutal murder occurs 3 women are dead and a young girl is missing at first the husband is arrested and about to go to court where it’s expected he will be sentenced to prison only got the case to be thrown out and nobody is ever arrested or charged with the murders

Until one day a podcast tries to unearth what happened and then all sorts begin to happen ….

Totally diffferent road from the normal but so well written and still in the style of this author thst you really get to know the characters in depth … a welcome change and one I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author

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5* intro to this author with a tale that drew me in and didn't let go.

Quite often when a killer or bad guy's identity is revealed in a book/film/show, it feels faux or anticlimactic, but here, though motives weren't fully revealed, it's a shocker, and incomprehensible. I think a plain, basic ugly emotion was at the core of it, but it's still horrifyingly shocking.

The subject of the book, plus how the podcasters went about things, was engrossing. It actually made me voluntarily listen to my first podcast ever, and made me appreciate the time, research and hard work that goes into them. I liked both Connor and Cristy, though the latter's voice is what's mostly heard. The supporting characters, particularly the 2 researchers, added to the tale with how they managed to get witnesses to open up and provide clues and insight. It was also nice to see a successful Indian female in media, in a mixed-race marriage to a guy who considered her his partner, perhaps even the boss!

But, ugh, Matthew and Marly. Two utterly selfish, irritating, narcissistic characters who wholly deserved each other. But, they were too-present and too irritating, and at times were just a bit too much obviously filler. Their interference and drama went nowhere, and tbh, less would've been more.

The tale had a hint of romance that didn't work for me, but it didn't spoil the tale. It was nice that life was looking up for 2 people wronged by others, though not organic, it didn't feel like. I'll definitely be looking for more from Susan Lewis.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Collins for my reading pleasure.

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Nothing to See Here by Susan Lewis is a gripping and fast-paced crime thriller that immediately captured my attention with its intriguing premise, especially as a fan of true-crime podcasts. The story follows Christy Ward, the lead producer of the Hindsight podcast, as she delves into the unresolved triple murder case of Lexie Gaudion and her mother and therapist, all killed in 2008. Lexie's young daughter, Amelia, vanished without a trace, and the prime suspect, Lexie’s husband David, was released without trial. Sixteen years later, Christy and her team are determined to uncover the truth behind the murders.

The narrative is well-crafted, with Christy and her colleague Connor Church investigating the case through interviews with key people connected to the tragedy. Each interview unravels new revelations, and as their podcast episodes gain traction, they begin to receive a flood of messages and potential leads from the public, adding layers of suspense and intrigue.

Christy's personal life adds an emotional layer to the story, particularly her complex feelings towards David Gaudion, the man at the centre of the murders. She’s still recovering from her ex-husband Matthew’s betrayal and now finds herself entangled in an uncomfortable friendship with his new, much younger wife, who’s keen to befriend Christy. These personal struggles provide depth to Christy's character, making her journey all the more compelling.

The book is cleverly structured, much like a true-crime podcast, with the suspense building as Christy and Connor uncover more about the case and the people involved. The twists are unexpected, and the solution to the mystery took me by surprise, which is always a sign of a well-executed thriller.

Nothing to See Here is a must-read for fans of gripping crime stories and true-crime podcasts. With its intricate plot, unexpected twists, and well-developed characters, it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

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A murder mystery created around a podcast - quite an original concept.. The podcast team work really well together, each with their own take and this creates a plot full of suspects and twists. The case they take on is a triple murder committed 16 years ago with now no suspects.
Some lighter moments are centred around Rosie, a delightful character.
I was hooked from the start and enjoyed the twist at the end. An excellent thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

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