Other People's Houses

Absolutely Tremendous…
The much anticipated third instalment in the DC Ffion Morgan series finds a finely woven melange of cases colliding. The Hill, a luxury street of exclusive homes in Cheshire, seems to be being targeted - but why and by whom? Meanwhile, just over the border in Wales, an estate agent is being pulled out of the lake, very dead indeed. With more suspects than you can shake a stick at in this wholly immersive whodunnit with a larger than life cast of characters, a plot which twists and turns at the drop of a hat and a gloriously well crafted backdrop. The characters are definitely key here and are so well rounded as to be completely credible and the sense of place perfection. The mystery at its’ heart becomes more convoluted as the tale progresses so never a dull moment arises. A tremendous addition to this superlative series.

I was so pleased to be granted this book ahead of publishing. Clare is one of my favourite authors and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Ffion Morgan series so far. Other People’s Houses is the best so far in this series. The story carries on Ffion and Leo’s relationship as it moves forward. The new cases they are both working and how they link together was really good. I love Clare’s writing style and how she allows the plot to develop bit by bit. Some good twists in this book which made it enjoyable and engaging.
Thank you again for allowing me to receive this as an authors wish. Just can’t wait for Clare’s next book now!

The third in the series and boy it did not disappoint!!
Thrilling, laugh out loud funny in places and perfectly put together! A really great story with the return of some much loved characters!
I read this in two sittings as I just couldn’t put it down!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC

Wow wow wow! This is the 3rd book in the DC Ffion Morgan series by Clare and my favourite so far. For me, it just had everything. A story so intricately plotted and interwoven that I was gasping - and actually giggling to myself - out loud because it was so bloomin good; comedy moments so brilliantly written (particularly in Allie’s story) that I was hooting out loud and re-reading sections; and amazing characters - from our regulars Ffion and Leo, to the hilarious residents of The Hill, and of course the fabulous Dave the dog.

A quick roundup of the story - Someone is breaking into homes in the gloriously rich and sought-after Cheshire street, The Hill, and DS Leo Brady is tasked with looking into the crimes before another home is targeted. Meanwhile, Ffion is investigating a body found in a kayak in the lake. As they delve further into the cases, secrets and lies are revealed and The Hill starts to look less like the dream postcode it once seemed…

I absolutely loved this, from beginning to end. A gripping thriller loaded with humour and cleverness. It also made some thought provoking points about money and ‘the right/Instagram perfect things’ not being everything in life.

Everything clicked together in a way that was just genius and I kept thinking “How does she do this?!” So thoroughly enjoyable, I didn’t want it to end.

You just can't go wrong with anything written by Clare Mackintosh and i was thrilled to be given an early copy to review.
Fabulously written characters. I loved the snobbery on The Hill where so much drama lives.
As for Ffion and Leo how wonderful to read about there developing relationship.
So many characters, twists and turns but somehow i followed it all.
I stayed up really late to finish this brilliant book.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

This was a gripping read and it will not disappoint.
I have read the previous books with Ffion and Leo and I loved them. This book can be read as a stand alone as well.
I loved how this book came from three of the characters, including Leo's ex wife. I loved reading about how Ffion and Leo's relationship had developed as well.
This book is not predictable in any way. My jaw dropped a few times when I was reading this! Absolutely loves it!

‘Other People’s Houses’ by Clare Mackintosh is the third book in the DC Ffion Morgan series. The story follows Ffion and DS Leo Brady - who worked out their romantic issues in ‘Game Of Lies’ - as they each investigate a property-related crime… Ffion is trying to solve the murder of an Estate Agent (while not-quite-seriously contemplating killing her own!) and Leo is reviewing a spate of burglaries on The Hill - an exclusive (and expensive) community full of grand houses. Woven into the narrative is an intriguing cold case brought to top of mind by an explosive true crime podcast…

I really love how well-constructed the leads of this series are, and care deeply about Ffion and Leo (and of course, Dave the dog!) Seeing their relationship grow is rewarding, and the ups and downs of integrating two lives with children and exes involved were realistically described. These characters - as well as George, who opened her heart a little more in this instalment - are what make the series a must-read!

The police procedural aspects were informative, pacy and captivating, and it was supremely satisfying to see the puzzle pieces fit together. There were a few absolutely heart-stopping moments and tension permeated the final 20%.

The novel was also a gripping and sharp commentary on the property market, socioeconomic status and shady deals. The Hill gained an almost mythical status, with house prices a key focus of every discussion, and the metaphor of Leo’s ex Allie living at the bottom of the hill but trying to ingratiate into the peak’s community was mortifyingly accurate. The interactions between residents, their staff and police officers were interesting, and the estate agent characters were spot-on with their unlikeability.

This was a five star read for me and my fave of the series so far! Recommend reading the series in order, starting with ‘The Last Party’.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Little Brown Book Group, UK via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.