
Member Reviews

I've really enjoyed being able to read through this series over the last year and this is the latest one I've got to - I'm so happy to say that I loved it! This one sees Maeve navigating her increasingly complicated relationship with Josh, whilst they also investigate the death of a married couple who have been found in their bed at home in what might be suspicious circumstances. The mystery becomes even more curious when we fins out their young daughter went missing years earlier and her disappearance has never been solved. I loved the back and forth in time looking at what happened in both of these cases and was kept on my toes all the way through. The will they won't they between Maeve and Josh keeps me entertained too, I find myself fascinated by both of them and am intrigued to see where they will ultimately end up I recommend this one and can't wait to read the next one in the series (not least because of the enormous cliffhanger at the end of this book!).

A Stranger in the Family is the eleventh book in this long-running series featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan. The book opens with what appears to be a murder-suicide when Helena and Bruce Marshall are found dead in their bed. The Marshalls were the parents of nine-year-old Rosalie who went missing sixteen years previously, but was presumed to have drowned in the river. It soon becomes clear that both victims were murdered, and the team must investigate the cold case to get to the truth as they are undoubtedly linked.
Not having read all the other books in this series, except the previous one The Close, I had no idea what to expect, but the relationship between Maeve and DI Josh Derwent seemed to feature just as prominently as the murder investigation. I found the constant interference and unwanted advice from their fellow officers to be a bit weird – the atmosphere in the office was beyond tense, and distracted everyone from doing their jobs. Having said that, you can’t ignore the strong attraction between them and can only hope it will all work out.
The plot is gripping with lots of twists and turns, and an outcome that I did not see coming. The cliffhanger ending leaves the reader keen for the next book to be published sooner rather than later. I really enjoyed A Stranger in the Family and need to make time to start at the beginning and read the rest of this brilliant series. Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

Jane Casey has once again proven why she is one of my favorite mystery crime authors. The story is well constructed, with intriguing twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Casey’s ability to weave suspense and tension is masterful, making it a gripping read. However, the romance subplot felt a bit overused and didn’t always blend naturally with the main storyline, occasionally pulling focus from the otherwise tightly paced narrative. Despite this, the book undeniably shows her talent for crafting complex characters and unpredictable plots. Fans of Casey’s previous novels will not be disappointed!

So, this was another Jane Casey book and that made me want another one! I can't help but wonder how Josh and Maeve's relationship changes in the next book, I read it in a DAY! I highly recommend those who haven't read the series before to start from the beginning and witness all the adventures Maeve Kerrigan goes through... And for those who are struggling with the next book like me - I think it's time for Maeve to be happyyyy
I want to thank Harpercollins for this copy. It was worth the wait :)

Maeve and Josh are back at it again!!!! My favourite pair of detectives, solving crimes, while trying to contain the building emotional tension that threatens to disrupt their working relationship. I loved the mystery surrounding this crime, as, by the end of the novel, not everything is as cut-and-dry as it seems. It's a nice dark twist from a neat fairytale ending where all is well and the heroic coppers win while the villainous criminals lose. The nuance in all the characters, good and bad, really draws you in, and no detail is worthless. Also, Maeve and Josh get leaps and bounds closer in this novel than in any of the other ones so far, whilst also still being so far apart... yes please!! Can't wait for book 12 and see what comes next the brilliant Jane Casey!

As usual I will not be rewriting the plot here as I believe that the ‘blurb’ writers do a much better job and know how to not give anything away. This is one of a series of cases taken on by DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent. I can understand that those who have followed the detective’s personal stories will have enjoyed the parts of the book relating their on-going saga but without the background, I just wanted to skip those paragraphs and focus on the crime case unfolding. It is a complex one and you need your whits about you to keep up. It is an interesting idea which I would describe as far fetched if I hadn’t had a friend who adopted and had to deal with some complex background history from the children and the resulting fall out!

Amazing edge of your seat story you won't be able to put down this is a thriller which will keep you turning the pages long into the night

A gripping police procedural featuring detectives DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent. A simple murder-suicide case is anything but. Sixteen years ago, nine-year-old Rosalie Marshall vanished from her bed. Now her mum and dad are found dead. As the police dig deeper, they discover the Marshalls had secrets someone wanted to be kept hidden. Utterly compelling.

Eleventh in the Detective Maeve Kerrigan series
And what a good read this was
Had me hooked from page one
And what an ending wow
If you want to read a new series this is one to try
Thanks NetGalley

Another excellent book in the Maeve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey. A great story, it has depth, it's well edited so there are no obvious discrepancies. I really like the undercurrent of Maeve and Josh that runs through - the will they, won't they.
I would recommend this and already looking forward to the author's next in the series.

It’s the first of these series of books that I’ve read but definitely won’t be my last. Rosalie is a young girl who has been adopted by a family who believe all
Lives matter. Her early childhood experiences have moulded her into a 9 year old with lots of emotional trauma. So when she goes missing mistakes are made. Fast forward to present day and Maeve and Josh are called to the murder of Rosalie’s parents. Is there any chance Rosalie is still alive. The relationship between the 2 detectives is electric and one I guess has been ongoing through all the previous books. However I did not feel there was anything I needed to know jumping in at book 11. A really well written novel which had me gripped throughout.

I came to this series fresh, so it did take me a while to get into this book, and the first few chapters moved so quickly I couldn't keep up - but that's my fault for not reading the previous books first and just a testament to how fast-paced the book is! I thought this was really gripping and hard to put down. Highly recommend for crime thriller lovers, though would advice readers to begin with the first book.

A Stranger in the Family by Jane Casey is a March 2024 release.
In "A Stranger in the Family," the chilling disappearance of nine-year-old Rosalie Marshall sets the stage for a gripping tale of family secrets, betrayal, and the haunting legacy of a lost child. Sixteen years after Rosalie vanished from her bed, her mother Helena is found dead in what appears to be a murder-suicide alongside her husband. However, DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent quickly uncover layers of deception that point to a far more sinister truth.
The novel hooks readers from the outset with its compelling premise—a child's disappearance and the devastating aftermath on her family. Author Jane Casey expertly weaves together a narrative that blends the intensity of a police procedural with the emotional weight of a family drama. Maeve Kerrigan emerges as a compelling protagonist, driven not only by professional duty but also by a personal connection to the case that resonates deeply throughout the story.
The strength of "A Stranger in the Family" lies in its skillful exploration of characters and their motivations. Each member of the Marshall family is painted with complexity, revealing layers of vulnerability and hidden agendas. As Maeve delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Rosalie's disappearance, the tension mounts, culminating in a series of shocking revelations that challenge everything the reader thought they knew.
The pacing of the novel is relentless, propelling the plot forward with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. The author's ability to maintain suspense is commendable, as is the seamless integration of multiple storylines that converge in a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
Furthermore, "A Stranger in the Family" delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. It confronts uncomfortable truths about the nature of grief and the impact of unresolved trauma on individuals and families alike.
Overall, "A Stranger in the Family" is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense and intricate mysteries. With its expertly crafted plot and memorable characters, this novel solidifies Jane Casey as a talent to watch in the realm of crime fiction. It's a book that will linger in readers' minds long after the final page is turned, leaving them questioning the true meaning of family and the secrets we keep buried within.

Great read with a good mix of the murder mystery and family drama which for me is perfect.
So well written and surprisingly emotional for this type of book which made it stand out for me.
Really would recommend, you won’t be disappointed if you like a murder mystery with a more human touch.

This is the first of the Maeve Kerrigan books that I've read. Thanks go to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this one. There were certainly points where I was conscious that there were probably previous books about Maeve and her colleagues but overall the lack of that backdrop wasn't a major issue. This was a book that was readable as a standalone novel. The story itself was good - the premise being that a couple are found dead -that couple, many years previously had their adopted daughter abducted from them, and their lives are turned upside down. The key question then being, could their deaths be somehow linked to that earlier abduction. Maeve and her colleagues in the Met police are tasked with finding out who the killer is, and if the disappearance of Rosalie can be solved in the meantime even better.

Given it's a detective story, we know right away when the couple are discovered, it is not going to be a murder-suicide. It's going to be murder outright. A kidnap when a child is young, and a mother who develops emotional problems are at the bottom of this grim tale as it also takes us among a complex set of family members, and then also travellers camping nearby. The relationship between the two principal detectives is ambivalent .. and much dwelt on ..

I read another mystery in this series and enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the whodunit part which was gripping and gripping.
The romance was sort of Elinor-Glyn was more modern as the poor girl was a sort of mat but somehow it workd.
Curious about the next one.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is the 11th book in the Mauve Kerrigan series by Jane Casey. I've only read two previous books by this author The Killing Kind and The Close, both of which I really enjoyed to was very keen to try another by this author and see what comes next for Maeve and her colleague Josh Derwent.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading the rest of her books and catching up with the series.
A very good storyline and great to see how the characters develop. It can also easily be read as a standalone
A big thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the opportunity to read and review an Arc of this book.

There’s always an epic buzz of anticipation when a new Jane Casey novel hits the shelves.
Strong advice: those who haven’t yet picked up a Maeve Kerrigan series read, then I strongly advise you rectify this without ado!
As always, to really enjoy the build of character developments and relationship building - then try to start at the beginning. Although, you can pick up any book and enjoy the crime drama.
But, a lot of loyal Casey readers, are frantically waiting to see the developments between Maeve and her DI - Josh Derwent! It’s one enjoyable ride!
In ‘A Stranger in the Family’ things are hitting a very HOT level!
It’s addictive, cleverly plotted and full of entertaining moments - the crime investigations themselves are great! This book is no exception - but we also have really well executed monuments between the characters and it’s a hooking read from start to finish.
Read it! In fact, read them all!

Brilliant book and a great story. I can’t fault it really and makes time fly when you read it and you get so wrapped up in the story. Have already recommended to friends and family.