This was a very well written police procedural. It is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, I plan to go back and read the others to get more depth into the main characters.

A 6 Form student is found dead on campus. Detective Hollie Turner and her team are assigned to investigate. I like that this team works well together. There are so many mysteries where teams are fractured and sniping at one another. Hollie realizes the strengths in each of her members, and smartly utilizes these to propel the investigation forward.

This is similar to a locked room case in that everyone in the school has some involvement. And all have secrets!

The characters are well developed. Although the solution seemed to have many resolutions, I felt the one the author portrayed was well done!

I feel that this is a timely novel. Students, really everyone, has access to so many things via social media. As a mom, I went to have a social media safety chat with my kids after reading this!

But it is a great story and investigation. However, there are triggers: death of child, suicide.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, and look forward to the next installment.


Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm publishing and author Paul J Teague for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I was very impressed with this book. It was a fast paced page turner that I didn’t want to put down. The fact that it was so realistic and very well could happen in real life was a huge part for me.

The characters were all developed well and were very relatable. The storyline was perfect and kept my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end.

While reading the author made it feel like you were actually a part of the story. I so badly wanted to have a word with some of the characters and literally felt anger at what some of them had done.

This was my first read by this author but I’d like to go back and read the first 3 books in this series. It was well done as a stand alone book though.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I want to thank NetGalley, Storm Publishing and of course Paul J. Teague for allowing me to read the ARC of "The Killing Circle" in exchange for an honest review.

Bein a rather new ARC reader on NetGalley, I got fairly attached to Storm Publishing and the authors they represent, since they have never failed me and Paul . Teague did not fail me either. The Killing Circle was my first book that I have read by his feather, and in spite of this being the fourth book from the Hollie Turner series, it did not left me missing anything vital from the previous books, something I appreciate a lot --- however, it left me yearning to read MORE about Hollie and from Teague:

The book is circling around a murder happening at a school where a student, Kyle, is found dead. The murder scene being a school makes it already difficult, seeing as there are plenty of people and to find evidence might become tricky, but adding to that is a hint of malice towards the police and a lot of secrets from the students themselves.

The several POV's did rather quickly expose that not everything is as it seems and many leads have been fruitful and yet a dead end at the same time. With the students not being a big help yet clearly hiding something, the case becomes more and more complicated by the hour, a web of bullying, drama and inappropriate connections eloping in real time as you flip the page.

HOWEVER, not even I did see the plot twist coming.

If you are a fan of Mark Edwards you WILL find yourself warming up to Teague so quick.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Killing circle.
This is a startling story. Opens with a killing of a young boy. How can this happen especially when it happens at a school.
The police are stunned at the brutality and violence and they are baffled by who can commit such a crime
But there is a force out there and they are not done. The police can’t stop this but maybe one can and she herself won’t stop she solves the crimes of death.
3 stars

This book has you on the edge of your seat the entire time! The Killing Circle takes you on an emotional rollercoaster to figure out who killed this young boy and makes you feel like you’re the one working the case. I could not put this thriller book down.

Oh my oh my oh my, I love the Detective Hollie Turner Series by Paul Teague especially after reading the last 3 books. These books are just fast paced with lots of twists and plots leaving me on the edge of my seat

A 17yr old is found dead at school and Hollie and her team are out there investigating and a great job done too

I can’t wait for more in these series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an arc of 'The Killing Circle'. This is the 4th in the Detective Hollie Turner series that I've read and in my mind the best one so far. A 17 year old boy is found dead in school and Hollie and her team need to find the killer fast. It's a fast paced, exciting thriller with a bang up to date plot (sadly only too topical) that will keep you guessing. A definite 5 star read!

An enjoyable read. A lot of twists and turns. If I have any criticism I think perhaps one twist and turn too many. Nevertheless, the characters are good, the plot is interesting and entertaining. Would recommend.

"The Killing Circle" by Paul J. Teague is an exhilarating and captivating thriller that delves into the dark side of human nature and the quest for justice.

Teague masterfully crafts a narrative that is both fast-paced and richly atmospheric. From the very first page, the reader is drawn into a web of suspense and intrigue that doesn't let up. The plot is intricately woven, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Each chapter builds on the tension, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

One of the novel’s strongest points is its well-developed characters. Teague excels in creating characters that are not only believable but also evoke a range of emotions from the reader.

The writing style is crisp and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring scenes to life without bogging down the pace. Teague’s ability to balance action with character development and ethical dilemmas makes this book a standout in the thriller genre. The moral questions raised by the character’s’ actions add a layer of thought-provoking complexity that elevates the story beyond a simple action-packed thriller.

In conclusion, "The Killing Circle" by Paul J. Teague is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful and thought-provoking thrillers. With its well-drawn characters, gripping plot, and ethical depth, it is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page. This novel earns a well-deserved 4.5 stars rounded UP for its ability to thrill, entertain, and provoke contemplation.

Thank you to Paul J. Teague, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

I thoroughly enjoyed this police procedural novel. Kyle Wilson, a seventeen-year-old student, is found lying in a fetal position in an abandoned outbuilding on the grounds of Crestwell Academy. He had been brutally beaten and stabbed in the neck with a sharp instrument. Detective Hollie Turner and her team comes on the scene to investigate. There are many characters in this novel from the Detective, her entire team, parents of the school, and a host of teenagers. Through her investigation, Detective Turner finds that Kyle was secretly filming his peers and as a result has been the victim of school bullying. Once another student's life is threatened, Hollie is determined to stop at nothing to solve this crime once and for all before anyone else gets hurt, but risking her own life in the process. Each character is well developed and intriguing. The journal entries from the victim gave great insight to his frame of mind. Overall this was a well-written novel that sheds light on the dangers of social media and technology and how easy it is to get around parental controls, as well as the increased prevalence of bullying in schools and the deadly consequences it can have. This was an intense and fast paced book that made it very difficult to put down with its red-herrings and twists, that I really didn't see coming. I haven't read a book with such a strong female lead in quite some time, but Detective Hollie Turner did the trick. The ending had a satisfying conclusion and it made me want to read more from this author. Publishes June 14, 2024.

Detective Hollie Turner and her team are working on an emotional and upsetting case where a teenage boy, Kyle Wilson, was found dead on the grounds of his school, Crestwell Academy. He appeared to have suffered from a horrible beating, yet no other students will admit to anything. According to the school staff, bullying wasn’t a problem, yet the more Hollie and the team dug into the case, the clearer it became that most staff had no idea what was happening with the students. And in some distressing cases, with the staff, either.

His peers eventually divulge that he was filming them without consent around the school but claim that when they told him to stop, he did. Surely that wouldn’t have sparked such a vicious beating? Hollie’s determined to get the kids to open up to ensure no one else will be hurt. But if she can’t unravel the case, she could very well become the next victim.

It’s tough and emotional whenever a story involves a child victim like this, and the author handles it sincerely and delicately, likewise with the classmates who are either openly upset or outright defensive. Teenagers can be some of the hardest people to reach so as much as you may want to shake them and say, “Just tell us what happened,” you can’t, so you must be very patient. I know I wouldn’t be as calm as the detectives in the story!

I love that there are so many suspects and it’s not obvious who was responsible for the crime. It made me rush through trying to figure out who was behind it all. I think it will surprise most readers at least until we’re brought close to the reveal. It was an amazing story that I highly recommend and as usual, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

I really enjoyed this read featuring Detective Hollie Turner, investigating the death of a teenager at his high school. Set in Hull, the plotting is good and very topical, the team dynamics are great and the suspense builds throughout until the last chapter. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone and one I would recommend to lovers of the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first three of Paul Teague's books but this, his fourth, was in a different league. Dealing with the complicated, terrifying area of teenagers and social media Paul creates an entertaining but heart stopping story. I've never been so glad that both my kids went to school before mobile phones and social media were a 'thing'. My grandchildren unfortunately aren't so lucky. The Killing Circle is a brilliant read with endless twists and turns and a fantastic ending! Can't wait for book 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

The Killing Circle is a gripping exploration of modern adolescence marred by tragedy. With the murder of Kyle as its focal point, Detective Hollie Turner embarks on a relentless pursuit for justice, unveiling layers of deceit and betrayal lurking beneath the surface of teenage friendships. The novel delves into the omnipresence of social media and technology, revealing their profound impact on young lives. As Hollie navigates through the tangled web of secrets, the story sheds light on the fragility of trust and the insidious nature of power dynamics both in adults and children. Each character is well written, adding depth to the narrative and keeping readers engaged.
The Killing Circle is not just a mystery but a reflection on contemporary society, where the quest for truth unveils uncomfortable truths about the world we live in.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a tense, thought provoking read, with a plot that leaves you guessing til the end, and also has some very realistic current day problems that every parent could identify with. The 4th book in this series takes place in a school, where a teenager is found dead after apparently being assaulted by a group of people. The school is immediately put into lock down but despite this it seems like the offenders are always one step ahead of them. As the story unfolds you can feel the pressure ramp up, with police officers, teachers and pupils, all feeling stressed about how this was allowed to happen and why. The story gets darker as it goes along, with nothing and no one quite being what they seem. Social media can be a very useful tool but also opens up all sorts of new problems, with cyber bullying becoming more widespread.

This is a really good police procedural, Hollie is getting her team to work well together, with a lot of very likeable characters, with real life, every day problems, that we can all relate to. Whilst it’s a standalone read, I would recommend the previous books. Can’t wait for the next book to see where Hollie and her team go next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

First off, this is the first book in the Hollie Turner series that I have read. This is book #4 and whilst I will now be going back to read the first installments, it didn't ruin the storyline at all. There were a small handful of references to past cases but not too many as to make it a confusing read if you picked it up as the first read into the series.

Just after lunchtime, Detective Hollie Turner is called to Crestwell Academy where a body of a sixth-form student has been found in one of their derelict outbuildings. Beaten badly and then stabbed in the neck, it feels personal!

The school goes into lockdown, the killer could still be on the loose, roaming the grounds... or in the school. The parents are already at the gates demanding answers... school kids and smartphones have a lot to answer for!

Named as Kyle Wilson, a quiet student who was having a tough time at home, Hollie and her team go about speaking to all staff and students but everyone is keeping tight lipped. They either know nothing or know too much!

Delving deeper, Hollie learns that Kyle was a bit of a loner but was hugely into film and media and had been offered a university place to study after his exams. Not much is being said about him but it's let slip that Kyle had recently got into trouble by filming other students without consent and that had turned a few other sixth-form students against him. Did they kill Kyle?

This is a plot full of cryptic clues, twists that spin you around and a fantastic build of of suspense.

I love books set in schools, they are so easy to relate too, no ,after how 9ld you get you always remember the school halls, the clichés of groups and the bullies!

The characters are relatable, mostly likeable and executed brilliantly.
The plot is original, tense and set out extremely well.
The ending is wrapped up with a very satisfying but rather sad conclusion. I love an ending that answers any niggling questions I had.

Overall a superb read. One that I will most definitely not only be catching up on but looking out for in the future.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

One school. A killer hiding in plain sight. 72 hours to uncover the truth.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Paul Teague, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for June 14, 2024.

I always bang on about reading a series in order. It's important, in terms of a linear plot sequence or character development and continuity of the storyline; BUT - (yes, there's always a 'but') - I find myself more guilty of late of not adhering to my own reasoning. Case in point:-

The Killing Circle is the fourth book in the Detective Hollie Turner series written by author, by Paul J. Teague. I could have sworn I'd read the earlier ones(!) - but no - anyway, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! But getting back to the matter at hand - the book.

The circumstances surrounding this crime might be a trigger for some, so tread carefully. At just seventeen-years-old, Crestwell Academy sixth form student, Kyle Wilson, is found dead in an abandoned building on the outskirts of the school grounds. He'd been severely beaten and stabbed in the neck with a sharp instrument, then left to die, alone, on the cold floor in a derelict building. The entire school is now in lockdown. It's not long before frantic parents storm the school front gate, demanding to know what's going on. How did the parents know something was wrong? The answer is simple: teenagers and their smartphones - they all have one.

DI Hollie Turner and her team have been called in to investigate. It is going to be difficult. The school is wanting to keep the attention away from the media, while the parents are demanding answers, and the students are NOT talking - it's a huge melting pot of tension.

I love a good police procedural, and the one thing I like better, is a police procedural where the whole team is involved. So, there are cheers all round from this reader 📣📣📣, because there's no 'I' in Detective Turner's team - it's definitely a team effort. Teague has written a strong, intelligent and likeable protagonist, who is supported by a secondary cast of equally capable, sharp, and likeable characters. It's a well-paced plot, with just the right number of red-herrings and twists. I thought the author did a wonderful job of integrating the whole modern day take on the problems surrounding 'social media' in all its forms, for today's younger generation. It's a powerful reminder that technology can be good, bad, and ugly.

I was lucky that the Reading Gods were smiling down at me from above when I picked this one up. It reads well as a stand-alone (yes, I lucked out). Teague plants just enough references from past stories that you can easily keep up. The author ties everything off nicely at the end, and it's a very satisfying conclusion - albeit an extremely sad one!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#TheKillingCircle #NetGalley

Hollie and her team are chasing the killer of a teenager found dead at school. It's not an easy case as there are lots of people involved, most of them underage, and parents' emotions are running high. She also keeps on thinking about her own family situation and how much she misses them and how she wanted things to go back in time. The more they search the victim's life they learn that something had gone out of the rails, but why and which were the circumstances that led to his demise were still yet unclear. Holly will almost pay a too high price to solve the crime. The Killing Circle is well-written, has a great plot, and throws light of how teenagers/young adults in general are affected by social media and how bullying has unfortunately increased in schools. Great police procedural, with lots of action and emotion!
I thank Mr. Teague, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my free and honest review. This was really a suspense filled novel, but I was disappointed by the ending. Everything had built up so very well until that point, so that was a bit flat. Amazing details and storyline, however, and definitely worth a read.

Kyle Wilson, a seventeen-year-old student, is found lying in a fetal position in an abandoned outbuilding on the grounds of Crestwell Academy. Detective Hollie Turner is brought to tears after investigating his lifeless body. He had been savagely beaten and stabbed in the neck with a sharp instrument. How could this happen to a young teenage boy?
When Hollie and her fellow officers interview the academy's students and staff, they find that Kyle has been secretly filming his peers and, as a result, has begun receiving threatening notes. As Hollie digs deeper, she finds she is unable to get straight answers from the students and faculty members. Everyone is hiding something.
After another student's life is threatened, Hollie discovers that someone at the academy is responsible for masterminding the silencing of Kyle. The killer is still on the loose. Someone is trying to stop Hollie’s investigation, and her life is now in danger, but she continues to move full speed ahead to prevent another death.