I'm a huge fan of this series and Ffion as a character. Unfortunately, I found this story to be slightly confusing with a lot of characters. I also wasn't a fan of Ally's POV and felt this was unnecessary. Ffion stressing about Leo cheating on her also felt very out of character.

I listened to a part of this on audio and as someone from Liverpool, the scouse accent was offensive.

A detective whodunnit which centres around the lengths people go to to protect their secrets.

The Hill in Cheshire is a road full of luxurious homes. It is an exclusive area, full of fairly unlikable residents!

There has been a string of burglaries, but it is not clear to DS Leo Brady what the thief is looking for, as only random items have been removed.

Just across the border in Wales DC Ffion Morgan is investigating the murder of a young estate agent, when her body is discovered in a kayak on the river.

Additionally there is a true crime podcast which even Ffion is gripped by, with keen amateur sleuths trying to solve an historic double murder case.

Leo and Ffion are romantically involved and begin to find their work-life overlapping, as the cases collide.

I liked Ffion. I’m always drawn to detectives with maverick tendencies. She is headstrong and goes off piste during the investigation, to the detriment of her relationship with her superior. She’s a great character who reminds me a little of Val McDermid’s Karen Pirie. I will look out for the two preceding books in this series.

I found the pacing a little bit slow at points and the plot not quite as gripping as I would have hoped, but it would be a pretty good beach or weekend chill-out read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

3.5/5

Third book in the DC Morgan series. Ffion is investigating a body found in a kayak while Boyfriend Leo is investigating a burglary in an upscale neighborhood.

This was a fun, quick read. I didn’t read the first book but had no issues following the storyline in books two and three. I enjoyed the MCs and their relationship challenges. Allie (the ex) is such an annoying but fun character showing desperation and social climbing at its best/worst. Short chapters a plus. I did find the introduction of so many characters, along with the naming of houses in the toney neighborhood, a little overwhelming and hard to keep straight. There was a chart at the beginning but I didn’t find it very helpful, especially since I was reading on my kindle and had to go back and forth from the picture taken on my phone. This was a nice distraction from my thrillers and I look forward to see what’s next for this duo.

Thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

A fast paced, twisty, and highly entertaining thriller, the third in DC Morgan series.
It starts as a series of bizzare breaking and enterting, a body found in a river and it develops in a rollercoaster of crime thriller
I've to admint that Fflon is growing on me as a characters and there's changes in the story
A well plotted novel I thoroughly enjoyed
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh is an intense and intricately woven mystery that grips the reader from the very beginning. It is the third instalment in the DC Ffion Morgan series, and it continues to deliver the clever plotting and deeply human characters that the author is known for.

The story unfolds on The Hill, a luxury street in Cheshire where everyone wants to live, boasting exclusivity, safety, and opulence. But beneath the shiny exterior, something sinister is happening. Homes are being broken into, and DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar isn’t just stealing things—there is something or someone they are specifically looking for. As the crimes unfold, secrets start to emerge, and the question arises: What is being targeted here?

Meanwhile, across the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan is investigating the discovery of an estate agent’s body pulled from a lake. Though Ffion has no love for estate agents, she can’t ignore the fact that someone wanted this woman dead, but why? This murder adds a new layer of intrigue as the two cases begin to collide.

As Ffion and Leo's paths cross and their investigations intertwine, they uncover a network of lies and deceit, where everyone seems to be hiding something, and the stakes for keeping secrets are dangerously high. With a large cast of well-developed characters, Other People's Houses becomes not just a mystery about a murder, but a story about people’s deepest, darkest secrets and how far they will go to keep them hidden.

The pacing of the plot is flawless, with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge throughout. The characters are deeply fleshed out and complex, making them feel real and relatable. The sense of place is also a standout element—Mackintosh creates a vivid backdrop that pulls you into the luxurious but morally murky world of The Hill, as well as the gritty, suspenseful atmosphere of Wales.

The real strength of the book lies in its character-driven storytelling. The personal and professional dynamics between Ffion and Leo are engaging, and their development throughout the book adds emotional depth to the mystery. As the investigation progresses, the web of secrets grows, and the story becomes more convoluted, never allowing for a dull moment.

In conclusion, Other People’s Houses is a superb addition to the DC Ffion Morgan series. It is a thrilling, intricately plotted mystery with a host of intriguing characters and a setting that feels both luxurious and chilling. Fans of suspense and character-driven whodunnits will find this book a satisfying, page-turning read.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you for my copy of this book to read and review.

I have read the previous two DC Morgan books and really enjoyed them…but this was my favourite by far.

I enjoyed the continuity of the characters but I especially enjoyed the storyline of this one. I liked the setting of The Hill, the residents that lived there and I liked the storyline of Leo’s ex-wife trying to fit in.

The story kept me gripped from the first chapter and I had no idea how everything was going to link together.

Dave the dog will always be my top character in these books though.

Looking forward to the next one.

This is the third book in the DC Ffion Morgan series and although I have read the previous books this could be read as a standalone, but reading the previous ones adds to the enjoyment as we meet familiar characters and find out how far their own journeys have come.

Although Ffion and her boyfriend Leo are both working on different cases the way the author interlinks them is brilliant.

This thriller was twisty, engaging and scattered with humour. At first I struggled with the number of characters but this soon disappeared as I became more engrossed in the storyline.

Claire’s knowledge and talent shine throughout this novel. I love this series and hope there is a number four.

I loved the twists in this book, they kept me invested and guessing, Suspenseful and intense read overall.

Entertaining on so many levels!

DS Ffion Morgan is looking forward to moving into a home which she owns; just as she's preparing to move a body is found in the lake which turns out to be an estate agent. Although she has no love for them, she wouldn't have wished any of them dead - so who would have? In Cheshire, there has been a series of burglaries on a development of very high-end properties known as The Hill. It's baffling DS Leo Brady because nothing is being taken - so is the burglar looking for something? When their cases collide, they can work together ...

This one covers both crime and humour; there's a lot going on and it's all so entertaining! Great characters, fantastic storyline and, as always from Clare Mackintosh, terrific writing. I was quite sorry when I reached the end of this one and I'm very happy to give it a full house of stars as well as my recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley.

I'm a massive fan of Clare's. I've read all of her books, but there's a special place in my heart for this series. I loved Ffion Morgan. Clare, please write another.

I’m a big fan of Clare Mackintosh and have read nearly all her books. I was delighted to receive a copy of her latest novel to review, thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for my copy. This is the third book in the DC Ffion Morgan series and I think it could be the best yet! This book does work as a standalone but I think it’s much better if you’ve read the other books in the series as you get to know the characters more.

We’re back in Wales/Chester again and Ffion and Leo are very busy with investigations, and trying to balance work with their relationship. Ffion is investigating the body of a young woman found in a kayak, and Leo is investigating burglaries at The Hill, an exclusive development of luxury homes. A true crime podcast has caused the reinvestigation of a cold case where a couple were murdered ten years before. Are all the investigations linked? Who can you really trust on The Hill?

This is an easy to read book and held my interest. It did take me a while to read but this was because I didn’t have much time to read. It’s definitely the kind of book you could finish in a couple of sittings.

The characters are great and Ffion has warmed up a little as her relationship with Leo progresses. I still love Dave the dog and can just picture him bounding around. I switched between totally cringing for Allie and feeling sorry for her, she seems to lose all sense of herself and is desperate to fit in with the wealthy neighbours living on The Hill.

At times I was a little muddled as to how everything linked together but I think it’s because I could only read in short spells. I liked how it all came together but I did find the very end a bit predictable. Nonetheless it’s still a nice development in the story.

Looking forward to more books in this series and I highly recommend all of Clare’s books.

The best of the series yet! Ffion and Leo are back. This time there is a series of crimes on The Hill, which keep Leo busy especially as his ex wife seems to be involved. Ffion meanwhile is dealing with a murder enquiry.

I love the character of Ffion and feel this series is getting better and better. The storyline is the best yet both in terms of the crimes and the Ffion and also arc.

A brilliant read.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the ARC

I adored the first two books in the series and Clare Mackintosh continues to impress me in her third installment. The mystery is great as always, but what I love the most are the characters. Ffionis so badass and hilariously sassy while Leo is her perfect match. The humor mixed in is fantastic and cracks me up every time. I really enjoy the character dynamic and the witty banter.

The whole series by Clare has been a truly wonderful reading experience, but this latest book is by far the best one. Highly recommend and hope there will be some more to come.

This is the 3rd book in the DC Ffion Morgan series. I was delighted to get an advance copy and I wasn’t disappointed.
It was full of great characters whilst following the love life of Ffion and Leo.
Couldn’t put it down, can’t wait to see if there is going to be a 4th.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

Another fantastic book by Clare Mackintosh, that you don't want to put down.
I have been enjoying following Ffions story thoughout these books and this one has been just as enjoyable as we follow Ffion and Leo's relationship and their individual journeys.
Clare always manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, draw you in and make you want to finish the book in one setting. This is such a great series and definitely recommend.

Other People's Houses is the third book in the series featuring DC Ffion Morgan and her boyfriend DS Leo Brady. Ffion is investigating the murder of a young estate agent whose body was found in a kayak in the lake and Leo is investigating burglaries at several houses in an exclusive development known as The Hill in Cheshire. Leo's ex-wife Allie also lives in the area but at the bottom of the hill though she's not adverse to a spot of social climbing! I'm really enjoying these books and think they would make a great TV series. Ffion and Leo are likeable characters and it's lovely to see how their relationship is progressing. I'm already looking forward to book 4!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for the opportunity of reading this advanced copy.

This is such a great series with Ffion Morgan! I’ve read all three but each can also be read as a standalone.
It’s a police procedural, mystery and thriller wrapped up in one excellent book with several heart pounding twists.
Love the main characters and hope this series will continue as I want more adventures with Ffion and her crew!
Thank you to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

My thanks to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Other People’s Houses’ written by Clare Mackintosh in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DC Ffion Morgan has been called in to work on her day off when an upside-down kayak is found on the Awen. There’s a dead body inside that’s later identified as estate agent Natasha Brett, but is it an accident or murder? Meanwhile, DS Leo Brady is investigating a break-in at a house owned by JP and Camilla Lennox on the exclusive residential area The Hill and it’s obvious that a particular object is being searched for.

‘Other’s People’s Houses’ is the third instalment in this gripping series featuring DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leon Brady. Ffion enjoys listening to the podcast ‘Without Conviction’ that has the theme running through the story of Peter and Stephanie Carmichael who were murdered in their home ten years ago. The descriptions of the characters are excellent especially Leo’s ex-wife Allie, an obnoxious snob who’s obsessed with copying her rich neighbours and maligning Ffion and her dog Dave, and it’s a pleasure to read of Ffion and Leo’s relationship that doesn’t always appear to run smoothly. This is a brilliantly written action-packed thriller with suspense, drama and twists, and a conclusion that I really wasn’t expecting. The final pages are a wonderful end to this brilliant thriller and I’m really hoping there’ll be a fourth book to read in the near future.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

a body is found in the lake... a womans body and ffion and her crew are called to the scene

as soon as she is identified things start to get interesting and its not long before ffion has her work mates in her sights....

ffions boyfriend leo is also investigating a string of burglaries on the hill a place where the rich and famous live... its an exclusive place but underneath the façade tension mounts....

tension is also around ffion and leo and leos ex allie..... it makes for a great read....one that you cant put down as you go from one drama to the other...

cant wait to read more from this author