Jane Casey is back and better than ever with her latest novel in the Maeve Kerrigan series. Jane’s books are always an absolute delight and The Secret Room is no exception. I cannot recommend Jane’s books enough. A huge thank you to Hemlock Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I audibly gasped yesterday when I got the notification for this book, I then wheedled my way out of cooking for my family/ normal life tasks and began to read and kept reading until the last page way too late last night. The epitome of unputdownable.

Jane’ Casey’s books had been only radar for years and in January I finally picked up the first book in her Maeve Kerrigan series. I really enjoyed it and was delighted there was another ten to read, I figured I’d read them over the year but alas by February I’d inhaled all of them and the wait began for this, the next instalment. It was absolutely worth the wait.

Page turning, lightening fast pace, skilled weaving together of various plot lines, old characters, new characters and a perfect blend of crime and friendship that Casey writes so well.

I’m not going to mention the plot or give even a hint of a spoiler, Jane Casey fans, pre order now. It’s my favourite of the series so far. A super read. Roll on 2026 for the next instalment, I can’t wait.

4.5 stars

I was so excited to read this book after the epilogue in 'A Stranger in The Family'. I read The Secret Room in one sitting and my heart never stopped racing the whole time. What a rollercoaster of emotions! This book is so well plotted and the pacing is spot on. I read each sentence carefully for fear of missing some important detail (as I have discovered on re-reads of Jane's previous books that I have missed little details that come back into relevance in future books/storylines).
The tension is amazing between the murder case and the storyline involving Josh. I was guessing until the end who the culprit was! Once again, a one liner is dropped that gives our heroine detective her motive!
I loved seeing the extra interactions with Luke and Maeve's parents. Its nice to see background characters brought into the plot as they influence Maeve and Josh so much.
As for the WTWT? My angst levels were through the roof and at times I was so frustrated by Josh's behavior. But it seems like he finally took some advice he was previously given and needs Maeve to decide for herself what will make her happy first. You'll have to read it to see what she does!
This is such an addictive series and this latest book was well worth the wait (and the worry!). I can't wait for the next one!

Excuse me while I collect my jaw off the floor again. All that sizzling chemistry plus a compelling mystery is why I keep coming back for more. Jane Casey, you've really delivered, especially after giving us that cliffhanger epilogue in the last book.

DS Maeve Kerrigan and the team investigate the locked hotel room death of Ilaria Cavendish. Meanwhile DI Josh Derwent is in trouble and Maeve, going against his orders, is determined to help as Josh's personal life is scrutinised.

I devoured this book with its well-paced action and plotting. Jane Casey delivers a masterclass in building tension as action switches between the mystery and Josh's ordeal. I felt like I was reading a movie. The twists and turns of the hotel mystery had me constantly guessing.

This book also takes the 'will they, won't they?' between Maeve and Josh, and raises it to 'can they?'. It's messy and angsty, but its very much in keeping with them. For Maeve, she must decide what makes her happy. For Josh, its feeling like he deserves happiness and giving himself permission to prioritise it over others. A big highlight was seeing Luke and his close relationship.

If you're new to this series, I think you'll enjoy it better if you at least read The Reckoning (#2), The Stranger You Will Know (#4) and The Cutting Place (#9).

A thoroughly gripping and compelling installment of a very addictive crime series. Bring on book 13!

Massive thanks to Harper Collins UK/Hemlock Press and NetGalley for the ARC.