Another great read off clare, love the female lead in her books, and again ffion was her usual bolshy brilliant self, can't wait for her next adventure

I’ve loved the first two books in the DC Ffion Morgan series and I’m happy to say I loved the third just as much. A woman’s body is discovered in Wales, which Ffion investigates, while her boyfriend Leo is back in Cheshire investigating a series of break-ins on a street of well to do houses. As the book progresses, it becomes clear that the two cases may not be entirely separate.

Ffion is a great character and the plot for this one was the best yet – so full of twists and turns surrounding the mystery but also introducing far more of Leo, Ffion’s partner, and his social climbing ex wife Allie. Clare Mackintosh has that great balance of an ongoing story surrounding the lives of her main characters which always draws you back in, and a brand new and well plotted case to drive it all forward. Her books just keep getting better and I can’t wait for number four.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Having read the other 2 books in the DC Ffion series I think that this one surpases them both. It is a great read and is easily a stand alone book despite being part of a series.I loved the linking of the cases that Ffion and Leo were individually progressing at the start. Lots of humerous parts especially those concerned with Dave the dog, these were just laugh outloud parts. The snobbery of the residents living on The Hill including Leo's ex wife who lived at the base of The Hill was so well expressed. There was so many suspects in each case and the twists kept coming throughout the story. The characters were so believable and the final twist was genius and totally unexpeted. The story is written from three points of view Ffion, Leo and Leo's ex wife and they are all melded together so well.

This series keeps on getting better and better! The author's skill lies in the characters, including a couple of detestable folks on the Hill, the scene of much of the action, and the couple at the heart of the book, DC's Ffion Morgan and Leo Brady. Much more than a regular police procedural, 'Other People's Houses' has plenty of social commentary and good old fashioned storytelling.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the third book in a series which I have very much enjoyed. Looking forward to book 4!

Clare Mackintosh has done it again! I love the DC Ffion Morgan series and I think this book is the best one yet.

I absolutely adore Ffion Morgan. She’s so sassy, honest and funny and takes no nonsense which makes her a fantastic lead character. I also love her relationship with Leo, and of course Dave the dog is just wild and brilliant.

I really enjoyed how the 2 cases that Ffion and Leo were working on linked and how both of these stories developed throughout the book.

There is a great balance of mystery and humour throughout. There’s also some incredibly tense and gripping moments that had me turning the pages very quickly!

That ending! I hope we get to hear more from Ffion and Leo in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I do love Ffion Morgan. She is such a great character, so complicated in her own special way, but totally relatable, and it is always great being in her company. Her relationship with Leo makes me smile in that they compliment each other and the chemistry between them is so perfectly pitched that this makes the books as addictive as the top notch mysteries and murders that clare Mackintosh infuses each one with. And this book is definitely laced with both murder and mystery as Ffion and Leo lead two very different investigations that connect in very unexpected ways.

In this latest instalment, Ffion is in the midst of trying to move house, trying being the operative word. Needless to say that when she is tasked with investigating the murder of an estate agent, it really does test all of her diplomatic skills when dealing with the victim's colleagues. Clare Mackintosh has done a top job of tapping into some key stereotypes of estate agents, especially when portraying Ffion's frustrations and personal dislike of the witnesses/suspects. It won't impacy Ffion's professionalism when trying to gain justice for the victim - that's a given seeing as Ffion is a very committed Detective - but it does lead to some of the book's, and Ffion's wittier observations and barbed comments, two of the elements that make her a compelling character and the book such an addictive series to follow.

As for Leo, he is investigating a series of break ins at an exclusive gated community. It's a touch harder to feel for the victims of these incidents given that some of them are not the most sympathetic of personalities, but it does give us a real insight into Leo's personal life. Why - well because his ex wife and son live on the edge of the estate, and his ex especially becomes quite a critical part of the story. I really enjoyed this element of the book, getting to know Leo's ex, Allie, and seeing the way in which it created conflict for Leo and Ffion. Allie is quite the character, pretentious and obsessed with appearances, and whilst she could be annoying, I still felt for her on occasion. Clare Mackintosh has created a very complicated character here but one that is strangely relatable too.

The pacing in the book is spot on, and the mystery builds perfectly. There are clear ties between the two investigations, not just because of who is leading them, and Clare Mackintosh intertwines them brilliantly. There are a myriad suspects between the two cases, and although between the two teams they manage to amass a lot of evidence, the guilty party remains well and truly hidden until the perfect time for a crucial reveal. There is an sense of threat which feed throughout the book, but not so much that it's distracting. It's fair to say that there are distractions enough for Ffion this time around, although one of them will bring a smile to the face of fans of the series.

With a conclusion that ramps up the tempo, and with pulse thumping jeopardy moving the cases a little too close to home for Leo, this book has all the laughter, drama and suspense that I've come to expect from the series. Packed with mystery and misdirection, fans will love it and the ending gives our pair exactly the conclusion you would hope for. Most certainly recommended.

A detective series has to have characters one wants to reconnect with whether they are sweet or grouchy and they need to have chemistry. This is the third in the DC Ffion Morgan series written by a former police officer but my first read and the characters and their connection had me hooked.
Ffion is based in Cwm Coed, Wales, and is dating DS Leo Brady, who is just across the English border in Cheshire and trying to make their personal lives and demanding jobs work.
Leo is investigating a string of burglaries in The Hill, a luxurious and idyllic neighbourhood but suspects the targeted homes are not random and all is not well behind the walls of these posh homes. Meanwhile Ffion has a case of a woman found dead in a kayak in a river. The woman is an estate agent on a retreat with colleagues she had issues with and foul play is suspected. Ffion is also obsessed with a podcast of a cold case of a murdered couple where the wrong person was found guilty.
There’s a lot of characters and suspects on both sides of the border and in the podcast – a lot – and it takes a while to remember who is who and how they all connect but it’s worth keeping track for a riveting mystery. It’s a comforting read, yes there are deaths, but this is more Midsomer Murders than gory serial-killer intensity. Hopefully there’s another outing for these two detectives, but first I have to go back and read the first two in the series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

You know how good a writer is when you would love to slap one of the characters. Beautifully woven story strands in this story, which is much more than a standard police procedural. Ffion is a fantastic character with her strengths and faults fully shown. It’s also set in a beautiful part of the UK , the borders of Cheshire and North Wales and the scenery descriptions are stunning.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Oh this was good so very, very good and even better than the previous books in this superb series that is getting better and better. So much going on in the book and it had my head fair spinning as I tried to work out how, who, when and why and still it had me fooled although some bits I did guess but it was so cleverly put together I couldn’t figure it all out and now I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Great characters as you would expect from Clare Mackintosh my favourites being Ffion, Leo and of course Dave the dog but also I just adored Allie and her desperate attempts to be included into the lives of the families on the hill that was just genius and very funny!
I loved everything about this book it kept me hooked and I was sad when I finished it and for me it was a perfect read and many,many thanks to Clare Mackintosh for a 5 star read.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Review: Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh

Clare Mackintosh’s Other People’s Houses is an exhilarating, twisty thriller that blends suspense with razor-sharp wit, offering readers a gripping tale of secrets, lies, and the hidden dangers lurking behind closed doors. Known for her jaw-dropping twists, Mackintosh has once again delivered a thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Set in an exclusive, seemingly idyllic neighborhood, The Hill is the epitome of luxury, safety, and perfection—until someone begins breaking into the homes of its residents. DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar is searching for something—or someone—specific. Meanwhile, across the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan uncovers the body of an estate agent pulled from a lake. What starts as a case that seemingly has nothing to do with the mysterious break-ins quickly evolves into something much darker and more complicated.

Mackintosh excels in creating complex, relatable characters who feel as real as they are intriguing. Ffion Morgan, with her sardonic humor and no-nonsense attitude, quickly becomes a standout character, bringing depth and authenticity to the narrative. Her relationship with DS Leo Brady adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the story as the two uncover shocking revelations and navigate the increasingly intricate case. The dynamic between these characters is one of the many reasons this novel stands out—it’s not just a thriller, but a character-driven drama that explores the impact of secrets on people’s lives.

The plot itself is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with Mackintosh skillfully blending dark humor and tension to keep readers guessing. Each chapter reveals new layers of mystery and unexpected connections, ensuring the reader is fully engaged from start to finish. The suspense is palpable, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Mackintosh delivers a gasp-worthy twist that will leave you reeling.

What’s particularly impressive about Other People’s Houses is Mackintosh’s ability to balance suspense with moments of sharp humor, making the narrative feel both thrilling and deeply human. The dark side of luxury and the secrets people are willing to keep are explored with biting commentary, adding depth to the otherwise fast-paced plot.

Ultimately, Other People’s Houses is a captivating thriller that not only provides an edge-of-your-seat mystery but also delves into the complexity of relationships, trust, and the price people are willing to pay to protect their secrets. If you’re a fan of thrillers with heart-pounding twists, complex characters, and a sharp sense of humor, this book is a must-read.

Rating: 5/5
A flawlessly executed thriller that combines mystery, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. Other People’s Houses is another triumph from Clare Mackintosh, guaranteed to leave readers breathless.

When a teenager looking for a missing kayak near a rafting centre. Gets more than he bargain for when he finds the body of a local estate agent inside it and evidence shows that it’s murder. But, who wanted them dead? DC Ffion Morgan is set to investigate.
While boyfriend DS Leo Brady is investigating a series of burglaries in the ‘upmarket’ part of the city called ‘The Hill’ A area of grand houses where everyone would love to live.
Further investigation shows both cases are linked in some ways and also Interwoven in the storyline is season three of a true crime podcast. Where they are following what is happening with the burglaries.
Other people’s houses in book 3 in the DC Morgan series and this series gets better and better. This is expertly written story with plenty of points of view and red herrings along the way to find out who was responsible for the burglaries and why.
This is another great read from the author. It gripped me from the start. I liked the parts of Ffion ad Leo’s relationship getting stronger and there was some heart stopping moments too, especially at the end. 5 stars from me.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be the last. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong. I was able to work out some of the links but did not see the final twist coming at all. A quick paced thriller with very realistic (and sometimes unlikeable) characters.

The third in an instalment featuring Ffion and Leo. I loved it. Very intelligent and well written, like the other two books in the series. Lots of twists, turns and darkness, a perfect psychological/police procedure thriller. Highly recommended xx

Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.
I have loved all the books in this series. Clare’s books often have a great twist and grip you the whole time.

This series of books focus on the detectives who are solving murders around Wales. Ffion is our main character and she is a loveable rogue. Often pushing the boundaries and doing all she can, she has her own problems at home.

This story is about a group of estate agents. When one of them is murdered on a party weekend we are left guessing what really happened because they were so drunk no one can really remember.

Ffion’s boyfriend has his own crimes to solve. He’s caught up in millionaires row and trying to work out who is breaking into the homes.

But how do these two crimes link and can Ffion work with her boyfriend and help them both.

This is a brilliant book with fantastic characters.

Ffion as a character gets ever more relatable and interesting. Thank you to the publishers’ for granting my wish!!
This was a really gripping and enjoyable read. Estate agents’ eh? Who’d be one, especially in wales which borders Cheshire. I can’t remember all of the stand out characters in the book but I know there were some. The rapport betwixt Ffion and Leo, and George too. It feels like Ffion is evolving as a lead stand out protagonist in all books she keeps on getting better.

Well that was good! The third book in the DC Ffion Morgan Series and it’s definitely my favourite. Ffion works for the Welsh police force whilst her partner, DS Leo Brady is with the Cheshire force. They are spending time at each other’s homes but Ffion is cautious of making things more permanent and her track record with relationships isn’t good. You could read this as a stand-alone but why would you? It’s such a good police procedural/crime series.

Briefly, Ffion is called to the nearby lake where a body has been found in a kayak. Later identified as an estate agent on a weekend break with her colleagues and the pathologist confirms it was murder. Leo is investigating some strange burglaries on The Hill, an exclusive and highly desirable Cheshire address. But with no suspect the burglaries continue and their seriousness escalates. Meanwhile, Leo’s former wife Allie is trying to ingratiate herself with the inhabitants of The Hill, so much so they are calling her the Klingon.

I love Ffion and Leo. Both fabulous characters and no matter how much Ffion fights it they belong together, with Dave the dog of course. I couldn’t stand Allie, just the sort of person I despise, there was very little to recommend her as a person and I desperately wanted her to get her comeuppance. I loved the use of Welsh language, it adds authenticity, but I wish I could pronounce it correctly! The crimes were so well written with great twists and turns that had me fooled. Am I imagining that this was going to a trilogy? I hope so as I’d love to see more from Ffion and Leo. Great read.

I was delighted to be back with Ffion and Leo in another case set on the border between England and North Wales. This time, Leo is investigating a series of burglaries while Ffion is trying to solve the murder of a pretty young estate agent. Both cases are intertwined and the narrative told by a few different characters including Leo’s ex wife, Allie.
This series just keeps getting better and better, this book blew my mind! I kept thinking I had it figured out but I really didn’t and the twist was sensational along with an intense, heart pounding race to the conclusion. Superb! Highly recommend

Other People’s Houses is the third outing for DC Ffion Morgan and DS Leo Brady and it is another excellent police procedural that keeps the pages turning with some great twists and turns.

This series is hugely enjoyable and I’m already looking forward to book number 4

Definitely recommended.