This was a very uncomfortable read at times, some of the themes are very dark. Poor Kira, her death was absolutely tragic and so many people just wanted the case ignored. I don't want to put any spoilers, I will just say this was a very tense thriller which I would definitely recommend.

‘The Last Days of Kira Mullen’ is an intriguing and sometimes horrifying read. Nicci French has also decided to re-establish the admirably persistent DI Maud O’Connor, from the MET, introduced to the reader in ‘Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?’ She certainly matches up well to the much-missed Frieda Klein and is a driving force in this narrative.

The novel centres round the character of Nancy North, recently recuperating from a psychotic episode. She and her partner, Felix, move to a crummy flat in a crumbling house in north west London. Needs must. Nancy has to adjust to a quieter life; no longer a budding chef, she has been told that it’s important not to work long hours or take on too much responsibility. Very shortly after the move, Kira Mullen, a young girl in a flat beneath Nancy, takes her own life shortly after a garbled conversation with Nancy. The latter is convinced that the death is not a suicide but no one will listen to her. Indeed, it isn’t long before residents are convinced that she is delusional and something must be done. Nancy is sectioned.

The chapters in which Nancy is held under the Mental Health Act at a residential institution are very difficult to read. The author conveys the feelings of entrapment, powerlessness and rage extremely well and we see how the professionals working with Nancy cannot countenance anything other than what they believe from the outset. Nancy has to work extremely hard to gain re-entry to ‘normal’ life which then becomes anything but normal.

This is Nicci French at the top of their game. Highly recommended, and let’s hope Maud O’Connor is further developed in their next novel.

My thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

This is absolutely brilliant! Nicci French at its best! It's both gripping and absorbing and written with compassion. I loved how it's all set in a flat dwellers property with so many intriguing characters, each with their own problems and attitudes. When resident Kira dies, is it murder or suicide? It's all about the devastating effect her death has on the occupants especially Nancy. Highly recommended.

It's a cliche but this book is a real page turner! I had no idea it was the second book in a series, but it stands alone well. That said, I will probably go back and read book 1 now. The series follows Maud, a police detective but in the first half of this novel she is barely even a background character. Her plot line does not develop until you are well into the main story.

This book is mainly about Nancy. She has an unnamed mental health condition and has recently been released from hospital having been sectioned and medicated due to the condition. She and her partner have to move to a smaller, cheaper flat. Shortly after they move another resident in the flats dies and Nancy seems to be the only person who doesn't think the death is suicide.

I really enjoyed the way Nancy's mental health is handled in this novel. Much of the text is Nancy's dialogue or her thoughts, so you get a clear idea of how she doubts herself, worries about what is real and what is not and her thoughts on how she is treated and dismissed by other people. When Nancy decides to move on, you really want her to succeed, whether that means getting a job, setting up her business again or moving house. I found Nancy's story really absorbing, a bit creepy sometimes but very, very real. The whole book is tense and full of twists.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime fiction and/or psychological thrillers - I think this is a bit of both. Many thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

After suffering a psychotic breakdown Nancy North is ready for a fresh start. She and partner Felix move to a new flat but once there she starts hearing sinister voices. When their neighbour Kira is found dead in her home, everyone insists it was suicide, how ever Nancy is not so sure. Will she be believed or is it all in her head?

This was an intriguing read and a well written police procedural. The focus of the story lies more within the character of Nancy and her mental health issues. The subject is explored sensitively and realistically. At times the story was uncomfortable and I felt a lot of anger around certain character’s and scenes.

The character’s are written well, I really liked Maud as the lead detective and I could feel what Nancy was going through. I also never knew what was true or what was in Nancy’s mind. Saying that, I did find the story slow paced at times and the ending seemed quite sudden. Overall though this was a good, solid thriller and I appreciate what the authors were trying to achieve. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

The Last Days of Kira Mullan by Nicci French

I always jump at the chance to read a new Nicci French book. Also they’re so prolific that it’s easy to find earlier novels in charity shops. This novel is set in a Victorian house split into flats and it’s newest residents are Nancy and her boyfriend Felix. Nancy is recovering after a psychiatric episode and a stay in hospital. Thankfully her voices have subsided but she’s fragile and moving to a new part of London has been destabilising. After venturing out for a walk she starts to experience voices again and in her confusion she rushes back to the flat. At the front door she bumps into a young woman wearing very striking green boots with yellow laces. The woman speaks to Nancy but it doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t help that she’s trying to distinguish between which voices are real. All she knows is that the woman was distressed and possibly needed help. Only 24 hours later the young woman is found hanging in the basement flat. Her name was Kira Mullan. Everyone seems sad that Kira committed suicide but for Nancy, something feels off. She isn’t sure that Kira did kill herself. How can she convince the others that she’s telling the truth when nobody trusts her?

This novel was absolutely gripping with brilliantly written main characters and a haunting central victim in Kira. I loved the idea of following the story through Nancy who has been struggling with her mental health and a clever, perceptive detective in Maud. The authors have cleverly placed Nancy on shifting sands - not only has she had a period of psychosis but she’s moved house and into an entirely strange area of London. She’s also lost her livelihood as a chef and could be living in a building with a murderer. She’s also without a touchstone in her life. I know exactly who to go to and ask whether I’m the asshole? I have friends who will tell the truth about whether I’m over-reacting or if something is genuinely wrong. This was invaluable when I found myself in an emotionally abusive relationship. I’d hoped that Nancy’s boyfriend Felix would be that person but I’d noticed a few red flags. He’s very attentive and seems to want her wrapped up in cotton wool, but Nancy is doing all the right things. On the day after she’s heard voices she asks to see the psychiatrist who changes the dosage of her medication and goes for counselling. She’s resting and doing her breathing exercises. In fact there’s very little else she can do. The authors leave us constantly wondering about her; is she paranoid or are the other residents out to get her?

Felix claims he only wants people to look out for her but Nancy feels like her space and autonomy are being encroached on. Felix tells the other residents everything about her history, including the psychosis, even the doctor who lives across the hall. He even gives next door neighbour Michelle their door key so she can let herself in, much to Nancy’s shock. His actions have actually left Nancy more vulnerable, leaving her open to abuse from others that they can deny. Who’s going to believe the mad girl? Nancy doesn’t think she’s paranoid but can see that her actions might seems excessive: she goes through Kira’s bin; steals a used condom from the flat and goes to look at the apartment with an estate agent; she also tells the police and Kira’s mother that she doesn’t think it was suicide. Just as she thinks she’s getting close to answers she is sectioned again after Michelle informs Felix that she threatened her. The authors show us how vulnerable mentally unwell women are in the care system and NHS, even though they’re designed to protect them. Not only is her liberty taken away and She has only one choice here. Be obedient, ignore the barbs and smile through visits. It’s the only way she’ll be free.

I loved the relationship between the detective Maud and Nancy. Maud is so perceptive and their experiences do mirror each other in a way. Maud knows that as a woman in the MET she is in the minority and she’s fully aware of the type of man that can be hiding behind a uniform or a title. In their respective institutions Nancy and Maud are trapped within a system they can’t change. Maud knows that if she becomes emotional or passionate about a particular case she will be seen as an irrational or hormonal woman. If she’s assertive and asks for what’s rightfully hers she’ll be called a bitch. In order to get the cases she wants and stand up for women like Kira and Nancy she has to play the game. It seemed to me that Maud saw the red flags with certain people whether in the flats or the house next door. She never holds Nancy’s illness against her and accepts that although she’s been struggling, she still might have something useful for solving the case. She also has a network of women within the system who will do her favours, such as looking over autopsy results and giving a second opinion. I loved the way she handles herself and her confidence in very dangerous circumstances. This was a gripping and psychologically brilliant read. I’d didn’t work out all of what had happened in Kira’s final days but the end was satisfying and I reached it very quickly because this is quite the page turner! .

Another wonderful original read from the pairing that is Nicci French. Although this is the second book featuring DI Maud O'Connor it can easily be read as a standalone. The story draws you in slowly but soon becomes something totally unexpected. Reading about Nancy's experiences in the mental health system is harrowing especially as neither we or her know what is real and what is her illness. Maud takes us on a truth seeking journey against the odds bringing tiny pieces together until she has an answer. An amazing book that kept me transfixed straight through to the superb, mind blowing finale.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I only just realised that this book is part of a series in terms of DI Maud O'Connor and I really enjoyed her as a no nonsense, blunt but caring character.

It's a poignant read with lots of reflection in terms on Mental Illness and the stigma, attitudes and treatment of others that exist for the underdog an emotive reactive read.

The complexity of the characters and the way they were written and portrayed made this book an engaging read.

This is the second book in the series featuring Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor,, the first being the fantastic Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Slater. The Last Days of Kira Mullen by Nicci French, stands out as an insightful exploration of modern issues where the writing duo, Sean French and Nicci Gerrard, delve into societal reactions to contemporary talking points. There is an unflinching examination of mental health and also offer a critical view of the Metropolitan Police Service, portrayed through the eyes of Maud adding to the storyline rather than commentating from the side-lines.

The story follows Nancy North and her boyfriend Felix as they move to Harlesden for a fresh start. Nancy, who is recovering from past mental health struggles, is eager to settle into their new flat and get to know the neighbours. However, Felix's concerns for her well-being intensify when their neighbour, Kira Mullan, is found dead in what appears to be a suicide.

Nancy, who had seen Kira the day before her death, is convinced there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Although Kira seemed upset and angry, Nancy didn't believe she was suicidal. However, the police and neighbours dismiss Nancy's observations, viewing her as unstable and imagining things. This adds a layer of complexity to the story, exploring themes of disbelief and the stigma surrounding mental health along with groupthink.

While the opening chapters may come across as slow, the narrative gains momentum and transforms into a compelling read. The book's strength lies in its plotting and characters as well as the raw portrayal of mental health challenges, shedding light on how individuals and institutions respond to such issues. The depiction of the Met in the modern day adds a layer of authenticity, making the reader feel as though they are getting an insider's perspective.

Ultimately, The Last Days of Kira Mullen is a thought-provoking and satisfying novel that not only entertains but also prompts reflection. I was sad to turn the last page on this book, that I'm sure will remain in my thoughts for some time to come. Nicci French have delivered once more!

My thanks to Simon & Schuster UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullen’ written by Nikki French in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Kira Mullen is found hanging from a beam in her kitchen and the only person who doesn’t believe it to be suicide is Nancy North who spoke to Kira just hours before her death. Nancy’s partner Felix and their neighbours have lied to get Nancy committed to a secure mental health unit so that the police won’t think it worthwhile interviewing her, and it isn’t until she’s released and able to talk to the Met’s DI Maud O’Connor that her opinions are listened to and the case of Kira Mullen reinvestigated.

When I started reading ‘The Last Days of Kira Mullen’ I presumed it would be just another murder mystery but I couldn’t have been more mistaken. From a slowish start it very quickly progressed to a gripping story where a woman who’s had mental episodes in the past is detained against her will. Parts of the story made me feel uncomfortable that a person can be detained because of what neighbours might say about them, also their vulnerability while incarcerated due to the actions of some of the nursing staff. I apologise to nurses who say it doesn’t happen; I don’t know that it does but can only hope it doesn’t. It’s been a pleasure to read a book of this calibre with a plot that’s been perfectly executed and characters excellently described. Many thanks to the authors who’ve written a magnificent novel that once again has surpassed all my expectations.

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

A great example that sometimes you’re not paranoid, you’re right.

This was a great holiday read for me - an easy read but intelligent, gripping and twisty. I used to read a lot of Nicci French books and haven’t for a while. No real reason, I have just had other books on my list - but I have been reminded how great they are. Intelligent and witty, also it will stick with me how easy it is to get sectioned! Don’t get me started on the casual way the state of the mental health system is portrayed in the book without any consequences - but it is fiction. Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this.

Another brilliant read just what I've come to expect from the great Nicci French.
This kept me gripped the whole way through. The subject of mental illness was covered with great sensitivity.
I was pleased when I realised that this is part of the same series as Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter.,and even more when Maud O’Connor made an appearance.
At times, uncomfortable reading, but oh, so riveting I read late into the night.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon Schuster UK for the Arc

I think it is going to take time to get to know Maud O'Connor in this new series of books (Charlotte Salter being the first) but saying that it is still a really good Nicci French book. "The Last Days of Kira Mullan" doesn't have a lot about Kira Mullan in it, it's more about Nancy North and her boyfriend Felix and how their lives change when they move into a flat in a large house in Harlesden. Can Nancy be a reliable narrator when she is hearing voices and having "episodes"? The scenes with Nancy were brilliantly written and made you feel deeply uncomfortable, especially the fact that she could be sectioned at a drop of a hat. Nothing has changed over the past 200 years, if a woman is annoying you, declare her mad! Looking forward to reading more in the series.

Strong 4☆ read.

The second Maud O'Connor book was a really enjoyable police procedural. I really enjoyed the dual points of view, again getting Maud's side of things similar to Charlotte Salter. Nancy's chapters were so well done, feeling claustrophobic and confusing, as I'm sure Nancy would have felt.

Whilst our title character is rarely in the book, the story does centre around Kira and her relationships with those close to her, and how one chance meeting with Nancy changed the course of the book.

Fantastic read.

A brilliant, gripping read. This author never disappoints and it was hard to put down. Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

What a read. It was so well written and covered the sensitivity of mental health and coercive behaviour. I really enjoyed reading it and could not put it down despite it being a bit harrowing in places. Sadly I think all the issues raised could be true to life, and there may be some other Felixe’s and Nancy’s out there. That said it was an excellent read and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Loved, loved, loved this. I'd read - and also loved - Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter - but I didn't realise this book was part of the same series. So, as well as loving the plot, it was an absolute joy when Maud O'Connor appeared midway through the book. She's a brilliant creation. The plot centres around the death of a young woman called Kira Mullan. At first, everyone assumes Kira's death is suicide. However, her neighbour Nancy North becomes increasingly convinced that Kira was murdered. However, as she's recovering from a psychotic episode that derailed her life, Nancy's neighbours and friends (including her partner, Felix), all think this is another symptom of her mental illness. What follows is a genuinely terrifying insight into stigma around mental illness and the vulnerability of patients in psychiatric hospitals.
As well as exploring some very serious themes, the novel is also perfectly plotted. I honestly had no idea how the authors were going to pull all the different strands together.
A fabulous read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this brilliant book.

Another fabulous read from this talented couple who make up the pseudonym Nicki French. I read this in 2 sittings and it was great to realise this is going to be a detective series with Maud O’Connor as a strong female lead. She was in the previous Nicki French book (Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?) and I loved her in this so it’ll be great to follow her story in future books.

There are some uncomfortable themes in this book, which lie within the way our society treats people who suffer with a mental illness, and how controlling behaviour can be missed when it concerns someone vulnerable. Nancy, the main protagonist has had a mental breakdown, but when her neighbour supposedly commits suicide and Nancy knows she was murdered, it is verging on impossible for her to get anyone to listen to her - not her partner, police, doctors…….. all believe she is having another psychotic episode and don’t take her seriously. Then just one person begins to think that Nancy may be being very seriously misjudged and an investigation onto Kira’s death finally begins. The story here is absolutely riveting - dark and chilling, becoming more so as the story progresses. Each and every character is superbly drawn and the story has excellent momentum from the first word until the last.