Other People's Houses
- Judith D Collins
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
DC Morgan #3
By: Clare Mackintosh
Narrators: Chloe Angharad Davies, Joe Eyre, Penelope Rawlins
Highbridge Audio
ISBN: 9781728296548
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 09/16/2025
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
New York Times bestselling author Clare Mackintosh is back with another unputdownable installment in the DC Morgan series.
You want what they have, but what price would you pay?
The Hill is the kind of place everyone wants to live: luxurious, exclusive and safe. But now someone is breaking and entering these Cheshire homes one by one, and DS Leo Brady suspects the burglar is looking for something, or someone, in particular.
Over the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan recovers the body of an estate agent from the lake. There's no love lost between Ffion and estate agents, but who hated this one enough to want her dead - and why?
As their cases collide, Ffion and Leo discover people will pay a high price to keep their secrets behind closed doors . . .
My Review
Renowned British bestselling author and former police officer, beloved by readers everywhere (favorite author), is back with the third installment of her captivating DC Morgan series—OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES.
Brace yourself for an electrifying murder mystery that will leave you breathless, featuring a jaw-dropping double twist that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
In a world where envy lurks behind closed doors, you find yourself desiring the lives of others. But at what cost will you chase their shadows?
About...
In the picturesque landscapes of Wales, a brutal murder unfolds, triggering a chilling cascade of events that links the heinous crime to a series of increasingly perilous robberies in an affluent British neighborhood just across the border.
The Hill is a luxurious enclave, exclusive and enviably secure, where every resident dreams of their place behind its pristine gates. However, the illusion of safety shatters when a spate of break-ins leaves the community reeling in fear.
Detective Sergeant Leo Brady is convinced that the intruder's motives extend far beyond mere theft; there is something—or perhaps someone—specific that he is searching for amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, in Wales, Detective Constable Ffion Morgan finds herself grappling with her own set of challenges as she pulls the lifeless body of an estate agent from the murky depths of a lake. Despite her lack of sympathy for the profession, she soon realizes that there was a sinister intention behind this agent's untimely demise—someone wanted this individual DEAD.
As Ffion and Leo's paths intertwine, their investigations lead them deeper into a web of secrets, revealing just how far people are willing to go to keep their darkest truths hidden behind closed doors.
Adding to the mystery is a ten-year-old cold case involving a married couple who were brutally murdered in their own home, which has become the focus of a riveting podcast, #WithoutConviction, now captivating listeners in its fourth season. As the threads of the past and present weave together, the detectives find themselves racing against time to uncover the chilling connections that bind these tragedies.
My reflections...
For those who have delved into The Last Party and A Game of Lies, prepare to be utterly captivated by the third installment, OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES. This latest entry invites you back into the vibrant world of familiar characters, offering a delightful mix of intrigue and humor that makes it nearly impossible to put down. While it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the entire series to appreciate the rich tapestry woven throughout these narratives fully.
Thus far, this installment is my favorite of the series. Readers will soon discover that even in the most coveted neighborhoods, a hidden darkness lurks beneath the surface. Fans will revel in the dynamic interplay between DC Ffion Morgan—sharp-witted, hilariously flawed, and full of depth—and DS Leo Brady, whose complicated relationship with his ruthless ex-wife, Alice, is as tumultuous as it is relatable. The supporting cast, brimming with personality and complexity, adds further richness to the storytelling. Don't forget Dave the dog!
In this thrilling journey, readers are treated to three compelling cases, each filled with unexpected twists and turns that promise to keep you engaged and entertained. Additionally, there's a fascinating glimpse into the world of realtors (or estate agents) alongside social media musings from followers of the podcast #WithoutConviction, who engage in tantalizing speculation about the cold case, ensuring the atmosphere remains charged with scandal and excitement.
Stay tuned, for more secrets are waiting to be uncovered, and Ffion is equipped to uncover them. One can only hope this series continues to unfold, as it has much more to reveal. Fans are going to love this ending!
As always, Mackintosh showcases her profound expertise in police procedures and the realms of crime fiction. With her masterful command of atmospheric mystery, sharp dark humor, and high-stakes investigations, she crafts a narrative that builds suspense and culminates in her signature twisty endings.
This is truly a must-read! If you haven't yet experienced the brilliance of this author, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this series, along with her impressive backlist. You won't be disappointed!
Audiobook...
I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in both the written pages and the captivating audiobook of this book. Narrated by a remarkable ensemble of talents—Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins —each voice brought a unique flair that truly transformed the narrative. Their outstanding performances infused the story with vibrant energy, capturing the essence of each character’s voice, tone, and emotional depth. With impeccable pacing and palpable suspense, they breathed life into the characters, creating an engaging auditory journey that kept me riveted from start to finish.
Recs ...
For those who have followed the captivating journey of this author and the series, as well as readers who appreciate the suspenseful and emotionally charged storytelling of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, Michael Robotham, and B.A. Paris, OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES promises to be a thrilling and engaging read. It weaves intricate narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that lie behind closed doors, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good psychological drama.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a stunning hardcover and digital copy via NetGalley for my honest thoughts. #CoverLove I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sep 16, 2925
Praise
"It’s everything you want from a thriller―and then some. Hugely enjoyable."
― Alex Michaelides
"So atmospheric."
― Ruth Ware
"Gripping, intense and thought-provoking."
― Karin Slaughter
"A party you won’t want to miss."
― Patricia Cornwell
"Devilish, witty, and wonderful."
― Chris Whitaker
"A dark delight of a murder mystery."
― Janice Hallett
"A brilliantly plotted whodunit."
― Sarah Pearse
"Mackintosh smoothly braids her three main plot threads, infusing the action with humor and surprising sweetness…mystery readers of all stripes will find something to like." ―Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Photo Credit: Astrid di Crollalanza
With over 2 million copies of her books sold worldwide, number one bestseller Clare Mackintosh is the multi-award-winning author of I Let You Go, which was a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller and the fastest-selling title by a new crime writer in 2015. It also won the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year in 2016. Both Clare's second and third novels, I See You and Let Me Lie, were number one Sunday Times bestsellers. Her first three thrillers were selected for the Richard & Judy Book Club, and together have been translated into forty languages. After the End was published in 2019 and became an instant Sunday Times bestseller, and in 2021 Hostage flew straight into the top ten. Her new crime series, featuring Welsh detective DC Ffion Morgan, has been critically acclaimed, with both The Last Party and A Game of Lies hitting the Sunday Times top ten. Together, her books have spent more than sixty-five weeks in The Sunday Times bestseller lists. Clare is patron of the Silver Star Society, a charity based at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which supports parents experiencing high-risk or difficult pregnancies. She lives in North Wales with her husband and their three children. WEBSITE
