I loved The Echo Man and this didn't disappoint either. Serial killer thriller with elements linking back to the past. The characters were well written and believable although not particularly likeable. The story is quite gruesome and if you do have a needle phobia you might want to brace yourself. I'm a bit wary of advising of a trigger because everyone is different and I wouldn't want to put people off. no character is spared from anguish or being bumped off which possibly makes it more realistic than some thrillers. The ending! Well... Hard to talk about without mentioning spoilers. I think it's very unfair to expect authors to continually think of things that no-one will ever imagine and keep it realistic but suffice to say it happened here. All in all I am definitely in the market for more Sam Holland books.
One factual error- Hepatitis vaccine is not regularly boosted- course of 3 and then one booster and that's it. TB is not part of the vaccination programme so no boosters there either. There is no clinical evidence for it at all in adults over 35. To substitute I would probably say "I managed to have my occupational health jabs" or similar

Last year, I read an early access copy of The Echo Man and was absolutely blown away! So, when I saw Sam Holland’s new novel was available on Netgalley, I just had to read it! Safe to say, going into this I had very high expectations as The Echo Man was my read of the year.. so did The Twenty disappoint? Absolutely… NOT!

Wow! Holland has once again knocked it out of the park! I love a scary thriller, with gritty scenes and pure evil, and this was absolutely encapsulated in The Twenty!

I can’t lie.. if you have a phobia of needles, this one may be a bit of a struggle… I myself am scared of needles, and those last 100 or so pages… yeah they were graphic. My body was most definitely squirming and the nausea was real, but hey, that means some mind-blowing writing to get such a physical response! BUT if you’re like me, you just have to get to the end.. and boy am I glad I stuck with it. Because that ending was absolutely INSANE!!!

This may be one of my top reads this year. For the second year in the row, absolutely crazy!

Wow! With a serial killer on the rampage, this is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish and one of the best reads, so far, this year! Filled with atmosphere and tension, with excellent characterisation and a thrilling, clever plot. A brilliant ending which will leave you totally surprised and wanting more. Just read it folks, you won't be disappointed. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Tense, gripping, explosive with some great twists is the best way I can describe The Twenty. It had me hooked from the start as DCI Adam Bishop and his team are on the hunt for a serial killer. This is Sam Holland’s second novel and it was just as good as the debut. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK Harper Fiction and the author for the chance to review.

DCI Adam Bishop is called to a warehouse we’re a grizzly scene greats him. A body is discovered, then while working the scene, more bodies are unearthed. All having a numerical number nearby. Dr Romily (also Adams ex-wife) sees a connection to a series of killings years ago. However the killer was caught and still behind bars. Who is committing these latest crimes?
The book can be read as a standalone, but lots of characters and references from the Echo Man are made and could be beneficial to read that book first. Any book following the Echo Man will always be in the shadows, sadly The Twenty is not quite as compelling but still a really enjoyable read. It is dark in content and plenty of twists to keep you reading on.

Shocking, gripping and thrilling...these are just some of the words I would use to describe this novel, I whipped through it at white hot speed from the gruesome opener which leaves you as wrong footed as the detectives, to the  knell of that final page...wow!

With characters overlapping from The Echo Man, it is clear that the world and lore of Major Crimes, as wel as the relationships between the individual characters are growing and being established-who couldn't love huge bear of a man, Jamie, in the honeymoon period with new wife , Pippa? And the awkwardness of Pippa being best friends with his best friend's ex, Romilly?

The underlying tension simmers and broils as Romilly recognises something all too familiar about the body dump which begins The Twenty, for the Roman numerals left above them , and on them, is the only linking factor between very, very different individuals.

As Adam Bishop fights to keep the fear rising that there will be 20 dead bodies by the end of this serial killer's reign, he has to analyse and predict what the next move will be. And there is no waiting to find out, the serial killer is clearly on a mission from the very beginning, the only thing in the air is whether or not they will complete their gruesome countdown...

Both Adam and Romilly have to face very dark, very personal secrets in order to work out what parts they play in this macabre dance, and it threatens the uneasy post divorce peace that they have established.

It's a gruesome and macabre set of murders which, I have to be honest, really struck home in a way that other authors cannot make stick. The individuals who were killed weren't deeply delved into, the focus is on the team in the Major Crimes division , they are the ones you really care about as flawed, and as disparate as they may appear. The justice for the murder victims is paramount as well as stopping any more, and this elite team are up against a truly evil genius who has one body after another waiting to topple like dominoes, crushing spirits and morale as they look for one , vital, linking factor.

This is an engaging mystery, I had to stop and go back to re-read various passages as I felt like I was missing something on occasion, because it is so involved and intense. It's also not for the faint of heart , as it explores several issues which may trigger distress, especially the notion of nature versus nurture in the formation of evil in human form. Abuse, torture, murder and kidnapping are all blended skilfully into a mix which never feels gratuitous- there is a great sense of balance between driving the plot forward and also staying true to the m.o of a truly vile serial killer. I loved it!

Ugh.... Another one of Holland's books set near my hometown that BLOWS it out of the park! I just think Holland has this way with words, how can you keep your reader in such suspense and filled with excitement and fear of what's to come?

This was pure addictive story writing, we have real characters with real flaws, and talk about fast paced! I was utterly thrilled and devoured this across two nights. As always and much like The Echo Man, its a really eerie experience reading such a great thriller that depicts places you see in your hometown and its surroundings, it really adds value to the story for me as I truly see how well its set out vs the reality of the setting.

Book 3 in the Major Crimes series now, please?

This book kept me reading late into the night. The plot was gripping and had me caught in a need to know what was going to happen next. The characters were likeable, so much so that I almost shed a few tears at one or two stages. I was also surprised by the ending and left impatient to read a sequel (hopefully)! In my opinion a brilliant book to read if you like thrillers.

This is the second book in the ‘Major Crimes’ series from Sam Holland, following The Echo Man. However, it is a completely different story with different main characters leading the investigation, so you don’t need to have read The Echo Man to jump straight into this one!

From the very beginning, I was hooked on this story and preparing myself to get very scared! DCI Adam Bishop is called to a crime scene where multiple mutilated bodies are found. Meanwhile, his ex-wife, oncology doctor Romilly Cole, sees the news on tv and spots something that fills her with dread – could there be a link to these murders with a case from the 1990s? Could this somehow be the same killer?

We then move between several viewpoints – the present day experiences of Adam, Romilly, Jamie, and occasional first-hand narrative from the killer – and also flashbacks to a horrible childhood experienced by one of the characters.

There are lots of genuinely scary scenes in this book which gave me actual nightmares! But it was also a really excellent and complex story – I couldn’t stop reading and thinking about what was going on and how it would all resolve. I would never have guessed the twists and turns towards the end – although, partly because they were pretty out there and a stretch to the imagination, but it all worked!

Absolutely compelling and horrifying – I’m not sure I could stomach a movie adaptation, but it was a fantastic read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ just about 4 stars. This book started really well and kept me guessing till way over half way.

But it reached a point where the description of violence, rape, torture etc felt gratuitous and added little to the story - it wasn’t weaved in well and so came off like a list of worst things to do to a woman let’s just add in for the sake of it.

Despite that it was suspenseful, and full of characters you aren’t really sure about which keeps you guessing.

Not as good as the Echo Man but still worth a read.

Certainly not for the light hearted.
Some pretty gruesome and graphic scenes but an absolute belter of a storyline.
Second book in the Major Crimes series by Sam Holland and every bit as entertaining and captive as The Echo Man. Whilst it would make sense to read both, as they are great books, this could in fact be read as a standalone.
Here's to many more from Ms Holland.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review

Wow what a fabulous read this was it had me guessing throughout and I still didn’t work it out.
I have been watching and waiting impatiently for a second book from Sam Holland as I loved her first The Echo Man and I think this one was even better than that if that’s at all possible !!
So this book takes the premise of serial killer right to the wire with some extremely gory crime scenes that left me shivering with fright and oh boy I loved that. I was constantly suspicious of everyone in this damn story and also surprised with a lot of the twists which for me made it such a wonderful read, I love unpredictable storylines and this book was so completely satisfied my every need. The characters were all excellent, the writing was a dream and the book so well crafted I am now aching for the next book and sure hope it won’t be too long in coming.
So definitely a 5 star read and one I can highly recommend, many many thanks to Sam Holland…wow girl you can certainly write a superb story !
My thanks also to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. What can I say? This book was incredible it drew me in from the first page and I was hooked right to the end. This book is definitely a contender for my book of the year, and I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

Wow! Just finished The Twenty by Sam Holland - what an incredible book!

Last month I read her other book, The Echo Man, so I couldn't wait to get hold of this one. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for letting me read this early, I really appreciate it.

Just a quick summary to avoid spoilers: The Twenty is a crime/thriller/mystery story about a team of people trying to get to the bottom of a series of murders. They've come across several bodies, and each one has been found with a number near them because the murderer is counting down from twenty. The team throw everything they have into trying to crack the case and find the killer before more people become victims.

I really loved how this story was delivered. Just like with The Echo Man, I felt a strong connection to the main characters Adam, Romilly and Jamie (and was very happy that Detective Cara Elliot from The Echo Man made a brief appearance in The Twenty). There are well written backstories that really brought the characters to life and helped me understand how they might see the world and why they react in certain ways.

The setting is my home county, which adds an additional layer of reality and fear factor for me. It is quite surreal reading a fictional story but recognising the place names and being able to picture in my mind exactly what the places are like.

The pace and level of suspense throughout this book made it so hard to put down. I felt a whole mix of emotions reading this too - sympathy for the victims and their loved ones, horrified and sickened at the gruesome murders and shocked at how the events all unravelled.

Whilst it was a little too gruesome for me, I could overlook that and keep going because the story as a whole was just so gripping. I can appreciate why those details are there too, there is no shying away from the darkness of murder and the graphic writing wasn't overdone or unnecessary at all. I'm just a particularly squeamish person!

The plot felt very deep with lots of complex layers and it was cleverly written. Good solid ending too, I wasn't left disappointed or needing more closure. I can't wait to read more from Sam Holland.

If you appreciate crime thrillers that will keep you up late reading then I'd definitely recommend this book. The Twenty comes out in May this year.

Oh WOW.

I don't think I can actually find the correct word to describe how much this book drew me in. This is the first Sam Holland book I have ever read and her writing style is totally mesmerising.

From the very first sentence, I was itching to know more. It felt as though I was a detective on the case with how descriptive and detailed it was. With every plot twist, I found myself wanting to know more.

The ending totally surprised me and the grand reveal actually made me gasp out loud. I am so impressed by this book and now cannot wait to read The Echo Man

When you read many, and I mean MANY, crime thrillers, I’m looking for a book that’s going to keep my attention. It has to be complex, gritty, dark, and horrifying. The killer is one one that sends an icy chill down my spine and keeps me awake at night! The Twenty is all these things and so much more. Sam Holland had my full attention from the start, with a gory, stomach-lurching crime scene. Definitely not one for the fainthearted!

A murder victim left at a macabre crime scene leads to the discovery of more victims and spray painted above each victim is a number that suggests the killer is counting down. Adam Bishop and DS Jamie Hoxtonare are tasked with the investigation. From the beginning there’s a sense of urgency to the plot, because the clock is ticking and with every passing day, the body count begins to climb.

The characterisations are thoroughly developed, despite Adam and Jamie having very contrasting personalities they collaborate extremely well. Sam Holland takes serial killer thrillers to a whole new level, as the reader you get a fascinating insight into the dark, disturbed and dangerous mind set of the killer. Peppered with chapters narrated by the killer’s voice, the fury that emanates from these chapters is palpable.

The author discards characters with great effect, it makes the plot that much more unpredictable. It also leaves the reader on tenterhooks, as you are never sure who the next victim will be. There’s tension, shocks, and the all important twists and turns that ensure the pace never waivers. The Twenty is a chilling addictive serial killer thriller that made for a ‘heart in mouth’ blood curdling read.

My review will be posted to my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thebookreviewcafe and all relevant book sites

Another Gem from a truly superb author. The Echo Man was a brilliant debut and this is even better. I have pulled into this and unwilling to put this down. This book is just BRILLIANT

𝕎𝕆𝕎!

Where do I even begin. I raved so much about #TheEchoMan by @samhollandbooks last year and couldn’t wait to read more by her, well, this did not disappoint. It gripped me from page one right through to the end.

I think I suspected every character going, especially Paul and never once suspected the actual character! Mind blown. It was written so intensely, tension filled, twists, turns with a little bit of spice throughout. It was tremendous.

I loved Jamie and Adam, opposites to an extent but worked so well together and was nice to see their friendship outside of being colleagues.

The Twenty can be read as a standalone, however, there were some references to #TheEchoMan throughout which I thought was great. It was good to see the link between the books despite being able to read separately.

It’s definitely a page turner, I was absolutely gripped and honestly struggled to put the book down and not binge it. I felt myself wanting to savour it!

This was a highly anticipated read for me for 2023 and I have to say a massive thanks to @netgalley, @harpercollinsuk and @harperfiction for access to this ARC and to @samhollandbooks for being such an amazing writer, you blew it out the park with this one.

Last year Echo Man was in my top 3 books (still is) so when I found out @samhollandbooks was writing another book I had to have it.

There is no way I could've waited until May so I tried Netgalley and was so happy when I go accepted. I read this with two other girls and three days later and we was all raving about it and giving it 5 stars!

If you love twisty, gruesome thrillers then this is for you. It kept me guessing all the way through and the ending shocked me.

Fans of Chris Carter and John Marrs will love this book.

Quick quick quick go preorder it now!!!

When a body is discovered on waste ground closer inspection turns up further bodies. Someone has used the derelict land as a dumping site and five bodies are uncovered, each with a number ranging from 12 to 16. The police realise that the killer is counting down and need to find him before he gets to one. When the ex-wife of the senior investigating officer hears of the numbering it triggers a memory from 25 years ago. A notorious serial killer scratched the numbers 20 to 17 at his kill site. Are the new murders connected? Is someone continuing the countdown?

The Twenty from Sam Holland is labeled as book 2 in the Major Crimes series, the first book in the series being The Echo Man. Apart from a few characters there isn't a lot connecting the books so this could easily be read as a standalone novel without any impact.

Right from the opening pages we have a stomach churning story that moves at a blistering pace, it certainly didn't feel as if I was reading a book of over 400 pages. The vast majority of the story takes place over a two week period. This condensed time period really adds to the gripping story-line as you really understand the pressure the police are under to solve the crimes before anyone else dies.

The lead police officers are a likeable duo, DCI Adam Bishop and DS Jamie Hoxton. Bishop is a damaged man after the break-up of his marriage, this means he's living life on the edge and involved in risky behaviour. Thankfully his partner, Hoxton, is a stabilising influence. As we learn about the pair of detectives you get an ominous feeling and worry sets in whenever they leave the safety of police headquarters. This feeling also makes you wonder what, or who, is at the end of the countdown.

As the modern day killer is hunted we also learn about the events of 25 years previous when a pillar of the community abducted and murdered young women. The police begin to wonder if he's controlling the current killer.

I had my mind firmly set on who the killer was but Sam Holland has thrown plenty of twists into the story to keep you guessing right to the end.