4.5 stars

Wow, what a great, enjoyable ride this thriller took me on. Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for my e-arc.

This was my first foray into this series featuring DC Ffion Morgan and her boyfriend, DS Leo Brady (it won’t be the last, I’ve bought the others already!).

Ffion is dealing with the discovery of a corpse in a kayak. Leo is dealing with a spate of burglaries in an upmarket Cheshire enclave called The Hill. Throw in Allie, Leo’s social climbing snob ex-wife, an unsolved murder from 10 years ago and there is A LOT going on here.

I loved the characters. Ffion and Leo are brilliant creations and even the awful characters (there are plenty!) are brilliantly drawn (spesh mention to DAVE, I LOVE HIM).

It was really easy to visualise what was going on and I think this would lend itself to a tv adaptation; I’d love to see this on the screen.

Overall though, the biggest reason I loved this was that it was different…. I was intrigued to read this because I had enjoyed the authors previous work (like the brilliant I Let You Go) and I was not disappointed. It’s not just a police procedural, it’s a murder mystery, with a hefty dose of realistic life and some awesome twists.

I have loved all of Clare Mackintosh's books and the DC Ffion Morgan series is especially brilliant.
The 3rd in the series and the return of many of the characters, it didn't disappoint.
The twists in this book will keep you turning the pages and not wanting to put it down.
Will we see a 4th DC Ffion book? - I really hope so.

Thank you to Netgalley, Clare Mackintosh and Little Brown Book UK for the honour of reading an ARC in return for an honest review.

This much anticipated third book has completely lived up to and exceeded expectations!
The story in this visit with Ffion and Leo has quite a multi-layered story to it and with a lot of personal interest in the cases they are both trying to solve. It has been great to see their relationship evolve alongside the solving of the crimes and those last few lines, while I did suspect from hints dropped, I’m now very much hoping for a book 4 to see where it’s all headed and hoping for some happy ever afters for everyone.
It was also great to get to know George a bit more and as always see more of Dave!

This is a fantastic series which just gets better and better. A woman’s body is discovered in a kayak on the lake, it is not an accidental death. Ffion Morgan and her team are called in to investigate this suspicious death. Running concurrently Ffions boyfriend Leo is investigating a series of burglaries in a very exclusive housing enclave called The Hill where his ex wife Allie would love to live, she currently lives at the bottom of this exclusive suburb, and dreams of becoming friends with the rich occupants of those houses. Whilst Ffion investigates the suspicious death and Leo investigates the burglaries a podcast is running about the death ten years ago of a married couple who seem somehow to be intertwined with Leo’s case.
Another great outing for Ffion and Leo et al in this the third book in the series, the characters have developed enormously over the course of the 3 books and even Dave the dog gets in on the action, A fantastic series in which the plot fairly races along with many twists and turns,
I would highly recommend this book and the series.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and net galley for the opportunity to read this ARC
Easily five stars

This is book 3 in the DC Ffion Morgan series and is a great continuation of the series.

With a solid investigation at it's heart and some great recurring characters (especially Dave!), this is becoming a must read series for me. Very much looking forward to the next one!

Other People's House by Clare Mackintosh
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4/5

This is the 3rd in the series and I really like how the characters have been developed throughout the series, having said that you could read them as stand alone as the cases being investigated are not linked between the books.

I don't normally mind a bit of mixed media in books with podcast/ social media excerpts however personally I didn't feel it was needed in this book and could easily have been left out.

I did enjoy this book more because of the friendships between Ffion and George and the ongoing relationship between Ffion and Leo. The actual cases did come together but also felt a bit chaotic too.

My favourite of the series was book 2.

Thanks to netgalley for the arc.

#books #bookreview #booksofinstagram #bookshelf #arc #kindle

What a brilliant read, DC Ffion Morgan is back on the trail of a body that has been found floating in a kayak on a river. She’s an estate agent in a busy town, but who would want her dead? This is a great detective mystery that is a page turner. The storyline flows and it’s an easy read. The chapters go back and forth from Ffion, Leo and the ex Abbie, all the characters were interesting and made the story come alive. You can’t forget about Dave the dog too. A 5 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

Fifteen-year-old Ed Cough is tasked with locating a missing kayak, but his search yields an unexpected discovery. He discovers the kayak overturned, and upon righting it, he finds a dead body inside.

Detective Constable Ffion Morgan, anticipating a well-deserved weekend break, receives an unexpected call from her superior, Detective Inspector Malik, requesting her assistance with the investigation. Could the drowning have been accidental, or is there something more suspicious about the death?

Detective Sergeant Leo Brady, her boyfriend, is investigating a burglary in a wealthy neighborhood, but the circumstances seem unusual.  Items were randomly taken, while other more valuable possessions were left untouched. Subsequently, a similar burglary, exhibiting the same modus operandi, occurred. Who is responsible, and what is their motive? Could there be a connection to an older unsolved case, where a couple was murdered in their home several years ago?

I'm loving this series, it keeps getting better! Ffion and Leo are such a great couple, and those Dave (the dog) cameos are awesome! Leo's ex was a real pain, but you end up feeling sorry for her.

I can't wait for the next installment, especially after that ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown book group for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

📖 BOOK REVIEW 📖

#OtherPeoplesHouses by @claremackwrites #spherepublishing

** Book 3 in the DC Morgan series **

So I’ve not done a review in quite a while but sometimes you just need to shout about a book you know?!

So I love a police procedural and this was an excellent one that ticked all the boxes…

It had a great well rounded investigative plot, relatable interesting & investable characters (loved being back with Ffion and the team) and was easy to follow / read. A no stress, solid, satisfying read.

With thanks you #claremackintosh @netgalley and #spherebooks for allowing us to read this one early!

Publishing: Feb 27th

-EMILY

@the_book_girls_1

#the_book_girls_1 #bookreview #fivestarreads #feb2025reads #policeprocedural

Ffion and Leo are back for the 3rd instalment in the series, again I liked both characters and probably Ffion the most I have in these books so far

This book deals with the very upper class area known as ‘The Hill’ and a spate of burglaries that are getting increasing violent….it also looks like a past double murder could be linked to them

Got to give a thumbs up to Allie ( Leo’s ex wife ) whose snobbery and desperation to be accepted are at first very funny but then to be pitied, an extremely complex personality but has parts we will all recognise whether admit it or not…..she plays a wonderful part

Now, there are lots of characters and as with the previous 2 I got some mixed up along the way and felt at times the book was never going to finish…I LOVED the authors stand alone books but have become a ‘liker’of this series, will continue to read them but there is always a yearning to go back to the psychological thrillers of the authors pastN

It was absolutely delightful rejoining the hectic and disorganised world of DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leo Brady, alongside the irrepressible, lovable Dave. Behind this chaos lies a razor sharp intellect and a brilliant eye for details and piecing together the story behind the crimes.

The book starts with an overview of the many characters the reader gets to meet on ‘The Hill’, which is a definite advantage of reading the book, being able to look back easily. The characters do become clearly identifiable as the story progresses throughout the variety of scenarios.

As usual with books by Clare Mackintosh, there are several threads to the story to enjoy, alongside the personal relationship developments/ problems between the main characters. An interesting and enjoyable aspect for me was the larger appearances from Allie (the ex wife) & Harris (Leo’s son).

The crime investigations are totally fascinating, with unusual and multilayered plots, also revealing some of the issues with cross county policing.

I particularly enjoy the descriptions of the settings, which clearly contrast the differences between the countryside of Cheshire and the rugged beauty of the Welsh mountains and lakes. Using the Welsh language within the book has me fascinated, pausing to translate each phrase (an advantage of reading on a kindle!) although Clare does include the meanings. I feel this adds to the authenticity of living in the tiny community of Cwm Coed.

I loved this book, with its sharp humour, compassion, emotions, vulnerability and tenaciousness. There were moments of fast paced action, intertwined with moments of emotional sensitivity. Another belter of a book, leaving me wondering (hoping) about another possible instalment, so much I still want to know!

I’m not sure why but I just didn’t seem to click with this book. It is well written and the main characters are likeable (but not loveable). I just felt there was a lot of backwards and forwards with both detectives that at first seem to be from 2 entirely different cases. Unfortunately I don’t know if they connect up as I’ve stopped reading. I may pick up again in the future but start from the beginning of the series. I am sure it could be read as a standalone but I feel o am missing too much back story between the 2 detectives and the drip feed is a little too drip!

I was very excited when Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK granted me early access to 'Other People's Houses', the latest installment in Clare Mackintosh's series about the detective DC Ffion Morgan. It was great to reconnect with the quirky Ffion, her partner DS Leo Brady and her farting dog Dave.

'The Hill' is a cul-de- sac of high end houses It has been plagued by a series of burglaries which Leo is investigating.
Ffion has been called to solve a murder in North Wales. Soon however a connection appears between the cases.

With it's many twists and turns this is another unputdownable pageturner that keeps you on your toes!

This is a police procedural set in North Wales and Cheshire and concerns a number of cases which are being investigated by two different police forces.
Ffion, the Welsh detective is going out with Leo, an English officer in the neighbouring department. Whilst Ffion investigates the murder of a local female estate agent, Leo is looking into a number of burglaries on The Hill, the most exclusive road in the area; it is a street full of large houses and rich entitled owners! His ex wife, Allie lives on the road bordering “The Hill” and aspires to be one of them, inserting herself and their young son into their lives, hoping that they will accept them.
I enjoyed reading about the two investigations and also the cold murder case which is mentioned on the included podcast excerpts. . Chapters were told both from Leo and Ffion’s point of view as well as Allie. The characters’ relationships were complicated but interesting to read about. Ffion and Leo are negotiating a difficult time- Ffion is buying a new property and Leo is trying to work up the courage to to introduce his young son to her.
The final part of the book tied everything up nicely and paved the way for a possible next chapter in the series. Although I had read the previous novel featuring Ffion and Leo I didn’t feel that it would be necessary to have done so in order to enjoy “Other People’s Houses”
My only tiny niggle was that there were a lot of characters living on “The Hill” and I found it rather difficult to keep track of all of them. The denouement was very good- an edge of your seat ending that really kept me guessing.
I particularly liked the setting of North Wales and Cheshire and found the descriptions very evocative of this area.
I really warmed to Ffion and Leo and hope to read more about them in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for my advance copy.

Another really good crime thriller from Clare Mackintosh. I love the Ffion and Leo characters and don't think this will be the last we hear from them! There was a lot of humour in this book which I thought really worked, poor Allie was never going to fit in with the wealthy residents.
I did get a bit confused at times as the plot became a bit convoluted, but all comes together in the end to a very satisfactory conclusion. Plenty of twists and surprises.

Definitely the best one of the series so far, great to reconnect with Ffion, Leo (and Dave the dog of course!). Loved the way the cold case/podcast and current crimes were cleverly linked together keeping you guessing all the way.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This is the third in the DC Morgan series, and it continues strong! What I love about this series is that Mackintosh has her finger on the pulse: no. 2 in the series featured a reality TV show, this one features a true crime podcast and the machinations of estate agents against a backdrop of high-end housing. I welcome this topicality - and, as Mackintosh herself has policing experience, we get authenticity too. What I also love is the inclusion of Welsh (and Welsh-speaking) characters, still a relative rarity in fiction published outside of Wales's own publishing houses; Ffion is a messy, relatable character, and I always root for her - but George is quickly becoming a co-favourite of mine. And Dave the dog, of course! Finally, the POV of Allie in this one - a social climber, who can sort of see herself and what she's become, but who is also wilfully (gut-wrenchingly) blind to this at times - formed some of the most interesting parts of the book for me, as she tries (and fails) to inveigle herself into a friendship group that remains resolutely closed against her. This was a page-turner, just when I needed the distraction of a good book the most. Thank you Clare!

This is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.
The writing is both engaging and suspenseful, with well-developed characters that add depth to the narrative.
The pacing of the novel is perfect, with just the right amount of tension to keep readers hooked without feeling overwhelmed.

Other People’s Houses was a compulsive and twisty read - I demolished it easily in one sitting!

Claire Mackintosh’s writing is so engaging, full of heart and humour that I was immediately transported to the wealthy neighbourhood of the Hill, with its privileged and suspect inhabitants. Watching the threads this mystery weave together was such a delight. Mackintosh planted so many clues I had such fun trying to figure out the mystery, and even more so going back and seeing the bits I missed.

This is the first book I read in the series and was easily enjoyable as a standalone. Despite the large cast of characters, all are exceptionally well written and plotted, so I had an excellent sense of their history, particularly Leo and Ffion. However I now can’t wait to go back and pick up the others in the series - this is easily one of my favourite mysteries of the year so far!

Thank you Little, Brown Book Group UK for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

I chose to read a free eARC of Other People's Houses but that has in no way influenced my review.

Clare Mackintosh's police procedural series featuring DC Ffion Morgan is quite possibly the greatest new crime series to have been published in the last few years. It's rapidly become a firm favourite of mine, with the release of a new book being a highlight of my reading year. Other People's Houses is the third instalment of the series and is, unsurprisingly, a brilliant addition. Other People's Houses sees Ffion investigate the murder of a woman who turns up in a kayak on the banks of the Awen River (a 'canoe-dunnit' - full credit to the author for the terrible pun!). Whilst over the border in Cheshire, Ffion's boyfriend - DS Leo Brady - is attempting to find a link between a string of break-ins in a well-to-do, exclusive, residential area. There seems very little to connect the two investigations at first. But the more Ffion and Leo scratch the surface, the more they reveal. Someone killed the estate agent, strapped her body into a kayak and left her on the river. And someone will do just about anything to ensure their secrets stay hidden...

Other People's Houses is a brilliantly plotted, engrossing mystery featuring some of the best characters in crime fiction at the moment. DC Ffion Morgan is a joy! She's head-strong, determined and very relatable. An intelligent, kick-ass female protagonist who gets the job done. Whilst also being wonderfully 'normal' and doing 'normal' things. For example, DC Morgan is looking to buy a new house so when she is asked to investigate the murder of an estate agent, her first thought is to wonder how she will cut such an extensive list of suspects down to an acceptable level. After all, 'some' estate agents have a habit of causing a lot of undue upset and distress to their clients, which *could* result in a lot of tension and hurt. Not in my experience, of course, but I've heard tales (🤭). I love Ffion Morgan. She speaks her mind, she's just trying to do the best job she can do, and she's driven and forthright. An absolute gem! Then we have DS Leo Brady. Ffion and Leo's budding romance was on again/off again in the first two novels. It's still not fully formed but they really are starting to get somewhere in this book. Which seems the perfect opportunity to bring in Allie, Leo's ex-wife and the mother of his seven-year-old son, Harris. Allie lives around the corner of The Hill, the elite residential area that is suffering multiple break-ins which Leo has been tasked to solve. However, Allie very much sees herself as part of the excusive set. She has wormed her way in. Made herself, she believes, invaluable to the residents without realising that they're just using her, and can't see how uncomfortably desperate and needy she is being. It makes for cringeworthy reading at times but I couldn't look away. Brilliantly done! I did feel quite sorry for Allie in the long run, much as it pains me to say it! These interactions between Allie and Leo help the reader get to know Leo a little better.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Other People's Houses is a great addition to a series that is proving to be a 'must read' for crime fiction fans. The entire series, starting with The Last Party, followed by A Game of Lies, and with this latest addition, is superb. I've spoken a lot about Ffion and Leo in this review but all of the characters are wonderfully written. Some you instantly like. Some (most of the residents of The Hill!) you don't so much. I can't let a review of this series go by without mentioning the true star of the show, Dave the Dog. He steals every scene he is in, and rightly so. A great, slobbering hulk of an animal who you can't help but fall in love with (and am I the only one who, whenever his name his mentioned, has Nessa's voice (Gavin & Stacey) in my head shouting 'Dave! DAVE!!'? Dave Coaches 🤣). I thought the way the two seemingly different plotlines came together was clever, I loved the dual settings of Cwm Coed and The Hill and I thought the mystery aspect of the storyline worked well, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I do have a teeny, tiny niggle and I know this will be an unpopular opinion but I stand by it. I wasn't keen on one of the final reveals. It felt a  little out of the blue and didn't quite fit with everything else. I'm curious to see where the author will take that particular storyline next. For me, it took a little of the shine off of a very dramatic, intense ending. Still a cracking read though that I highly recommend. Beautifully written characters, a cleverly woven mystery and with plenty of red herrings along the way, this entire series is a masterclass in crime fiction. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Other People's Houses. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Review will be published on 27th February]