This is the first book I have read in this series but it did not matter at all and it was easy to read as a stand alone book. Frieda is chasing a shadow although there is a growing belief that the man she is chasing is alive. Her friends and family become victims of crime but who is carrying out these attacks is it the shadow she is hunting or someone else. A fast paced excellent read

I wasn't aware that this book was the seventh in a series but luckily it did not matter. The book was still enjoyable. A good read.

Long term readers of my book reviews may recall I've struggled with the Nicci French Dr Frieda Klein series. I actually even put one or two of the early books aside rather than continuing with them.

However, I actually enjoyed the last one I read,  Friday On My Mind and commented in that review on the fact I felt that Frieda was - perhaps - evolving a little and become a more likeable character. I'd like to think I wasn't alone in struggling with early Frieda and the Nicci Gerrard / Sean French pairing decided to insert a little personality into her stiff unrelatable demeanour. I suspect however, it's probably more about the trajectory they'd always planned for the socially-challenged psychotherapist rather than public outcry. 

I should mention that it wasn't until I came to write this review that I realised I somehow completely missed Saturday Requiem, which was out earlier this year.

Anyhoo, there's finally some vindication for Frieda in the seventh outing in this series when it appears her belief that psychopathic killer Dean Reeve - who she's long believed to still be alive - IS indeed alive and well. Hmmm.... by 'well' I mean living and breathing, albeit still psychopathic - presumably.

Now, if you're like me and really cannot remember Reeve's earlier appearances in this series, never fear, as it doesn't matter. I do recall reference to him (or at least a sense of his presence) in the last book I read, but really can't recall his initial introduction. So - if you're coming into this series late, it doesn't matter.

All you really need to know is that those around Frieda (and thankfully she was a pretty prickly and unsociable character, so there aren't many of them) are at risk.

We've all read enough books and watched enough fictional TV about psychopaths to know they never start with the object of their obsession... rather akin to the cat and mouse, they play with their victim to prolong their sense of anticipation - almost like foreplay - eking out their enjoyment and their target's pain for as long as possible.

And that's exactly what it seems Reeve is doing. Or is he?

I liked the introduction of Chief Inspector Petra Burge and appreciated that the authors didn't feel compelled to set her up in an adversarial relationship with Frieda - which has been the case in the past and was getting a bit old.

There's a sense of change in this novel and - in reality if the series was reflecting the days of the week - this would be the last. Given the way the book ends however, I'm not sure if that will be the case. Of course, if it continues it will be interesting to see where the authors take the series.

I was a bit reticent to start this book, given my meh-ness about early novels in the series and the fact it was over 400 pages... but once I started I did not stop and read the book in a sitting - enjoying the pace and unfolding plot.

3.5 stars

I've read and enjoyed all the Frieda Klein series, so was looking forward to this latest one. It certainly didn't disappoint. The story takes up where the last one finished, with a dead body found under the floorboards of Frieda's house. The body is that of a private detective she has hired to try and find Dean Reeve, a murderer who she believes is still alive and kind of stalking her, even though the police are convinced he killed himself. When bad things start happening to the people in her life, she has reason to believe that the person responsible is copying Dean Reeve. This is an exciting page turner, and I hope there will be more in the series. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.

I found it very difficult to engage with this novel. It may have better if I had read the previous books in the series. The characters did not resonate and I did not enjoy it.

The story is well written with an interesting cast of characters. It also has a most detailed profile of a serial killer who is a egomaniac egoist taking pleasure at fooling the police and terrifying those he wants to intimidate. This is aided by the fact that he is also a high profile crime reporter able to gain information of what the police are doing to find him. A most unusual thriller that’s all well that ends well when the goodies are saved and killer finally comes to a sticky end.

When I requested this book I was unaware that there were six books previously. So I am pleased to say you can read this well without knowledge of the previous six. Although some of the character relationships may have been established earlier in the series and probably explained some of the questions I may have had.


This book begins with the discovery of the dead body of Frieda Klein’s security detail under her floorboards. The death and desecration of her home are thought to be that of her arch nemesis, the serial killer Dean Reeve, who most people have assumed to be dead. How come serial killers tend not to be dead until they are? Frieda maintains he is not dead and now it appears she is right.


There are many characters that take part in the book. They are definitely many different types. The story really increases pace about half way when everyone starts to believe maybe Frieda is right. In this book there are a series of criminal events which might be attributed to this killer or maybe to a copycat. The danger comes very close to Frieda and threatens her family and friends. This is where some loose ends crop up.


I enjoyed the book immensely and I guess I am going to have to read the previous six to truly understand the nature of all the characters. French keeps you interested and on your toes from page one. Yes I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery. I would also maybe advise to read the previous book as the characters are quite complex and I feel a better understanding would happen. Enjoy!



*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2052694762

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3KS266QGYAF5K/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This is the seventh in the series of the Dr Frieda Klein books. I haven't read every single book in the series, only Blue Monday and Friday on my Mind, but I don't feel that not having read all of the previous books hampered my understanding in any way.
Frieda is a complex character, but when harm comes to those close to her, she always tries to help them without a thought for her own safety. I love the family atmosphere between Frieda's friends and how they all come together to support each other and Frieda.
At certain points in the book, I felt like I could predict what was going to happen next. However, the story was told in such a way that the atmosphere was still tense, so even though I was expecting what came next, I still found myself on edge waiting to find out exactly how the events would happen.
I found the parts told from the killers perspective particularly interesting. Being inside their head was shocking and thrilling at the same time. It added to the intrigue of the plot both before I found out who it was and after.
The only slight negative for me was that the ending didn't feel extremely satisfying. There were loose ends that needed tying up and although I understand that this is to keep the reader in suspense until the next book in the series, personally I prefer things a bit neater. I'll definitely read the next book when it comes out though, as I'm hoping the loose ends will be tied up there.
Overall, I'm giving this book 4 out of 5. It was a tense read which kept me guessing and I've definitely warmed to Frieda Klein.

This is the seventh book in the Frieda Klein series and this time the evil is brought much closer! The first decomposing body is found under Frieda's floorboards by Josef. The body is that of an ex=policeman she had hired to protect her. She eventually manages to persuade the Police that it is in fact Dean Reeves who is the killer (everyone the supposedly committed suicide 7 years ago), but this does not keep her friends and family safe... As her friends and colleagues become Reeve's victims, "FRIEDA KLEIN" can be found imprinted near the scene of the crime. This creates a clear link between the crime, killer and Frieda. He will not stop his killing spree until he his caught or she is killed. After 6 months the Police investigations are wound down so Frieda starts her own investigation with the help of a private investigator and DCI Karlsson (who she has worked with in the past). Will they run out of time or catch the killer?


Frieda is a complex character, the characters are described in detail and seem real and the reader cannot help but get drawn into her and her family's lives as the story progresses.

A body is found under the floorboards of psychotherapist Frieda Klein's home. A dark, chilling fast paced story evolves whereby none of her friends or acquaintances are safe. Who is targeting her? Is it Dean Reeve who police believe is dead? Or is there a copycat killer on the loose? I had not read the previous 6 books in the series and maybe I should have but I was slightly annoyed that the ending was rather vague. I assume there will be an 8th book in the series! However, the characters were all completely individual, indeed somewhat unusual from the norm which made for an interesting base. I found the big reveal came too early without it having a real shock element which was somewhat disappointing. I expected a huge twist which wasn't forthcoming but I was still gripped by the gritty writing and would possibly go back to the first in the series and try to understand the whole book by knowing the complete history of the main characters.

I've loved all the Frieda Klein book and this is a great continuation of the series. The dance between Klein and her nemesis, Dean Reeve, continues. Again, those closest to Klein are endangered by their relationship with her while the police finally seem to be taking her claims about Reeve seriously, but will they find out the truth of who is behind the deaths in time to save Klein and her loved ones? Fast paced and riveting, I had to read it in one sitting to find out what was really going on behind the scenes.

As you would expect from Nicci French,this is an unusual and cleverly constructed story. There are many unexpected twists which keep the readers fixated. Well written as ever and full of believable characters. A good book when you have time to keep reading to the end!

I have recently read the first in the Frieda Klein series (Blue Monday) and thought that this was a five star+ read. I was therefore excited to read this the penultimate book in the series but I did not find this latest novel as exciting as the first and therefore have only awarded four stars, perhaps I would have given more had time passed between reading the first and the latest.

All that to say I did enjoy the book although in this instance I was very aware that I had missed out on the earlier episodes particularly at the opening when the body of an ex-policeman is discovered under the floorboards of Frieda’s house courtesy of her nemesis Dean Reeve. There then follows a series of incidents whereby Frieda’s family and friends are harmed or in danger and the finger points to Dean Reeve.

Frieda, as usual, is supported by family, friends and the police whilst she interacts with patients, journalists and a private detective in an attempt to catch Reeve and understand what lies behind these incidents.

Despite the warnings she receives Freida is once again a law unto herself, trusting her instincts and her training to protect herself and bring the culprit to justice whilst attempting to protect those she loves.

I did find that I lost track of the characters except the ones that had been established in the first book in the series and upon finishing the book I was a tad disappointed, although I cannot say why. Perhaps it is just because I was more engaged in the first and found it more unusual and exciting. Is it worth a read? Yes, but probably better if you read all in the series in sequence.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

Oh my days ! What a wonderful book , fascinating characters as always and gripping storylines , highly recommended !

Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better - after the brilliant ending in Saturday Requiem - this wonderful writing partnership does it again! THANK YOU!! If you're new to this series, stop reading what you're reading and read this instead. You won't regret it!

This felt formulaic and plodding. I've tried to warm to the main character throughout this series, but, to no avail. An ok read. However, as someone who loved this couples earlier books, these Freida Klein series don't touch their earlier excellence. Disappointing.
I'm grateful to Netgalley for letting me preview.

What a climax to the series. I didn't want this to finish but I did. Please don't let Frieda disappear - we need to know what happens to her and all her friends and family. Just going to say read the book and if you haven't then the series. You won't be disappointed.

Sunday Morning Coming Down is the seventh book in a series which started with Blue Monday and progressed through the days of the week all the way to Sunday, Probably because I hadn't read the blurb properly, I'd assumed this would be the final book in the series and would tie up the overarching plot. Clearly this is not the case, but having now exhausted the days of the week I wonder what the next book will be called?

Anyway, I've read most but not all of the previous books; I haven't yet read the Saturday instalment, which was a slight disadvantage but not much of one. It does help if you've read the others, particularly with regard to the ongoing Dean Reeve storyline, but I imagine a new reader could enjoy the book without that background knowledge.

The main protagonist, as in the previous ones, is Frieda Klein, a psychotherapist (with a name like that, she could hardly have chosen any other career path). Frieda has more than a passing acquaintance with murder. Here, the first body appears right at the start - under her floorboards, in fact - and things don't get any easier thereafter. Someone is targeting Frieda's friends and allies - but is it Dean Reeve or someone else?

I really enjoyed this - tightly plotted and a gripping read. Even though I've never somehow managed to fully engage with the character of Frieda, all the characters are well drawn (I particularly like Josef the Ukrainian builder). The sinister Reeve remains a lurking presence throughout.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a review copy. Looking forward to the next instalment!

Another brilliant book in the Freida Klein series.
I thought this was the last book in the series but it's definitely not!
This book starts with something being found in Freida's house and goes from there at a great pace.
The presence of Dean Reeve is felt throughout the book and as I've said there's more to come in at
least one more book in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend this series to all.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of this book.

This is the first book I have read of what has clearly been a gripping crime series and sadly, it is apparently destined to be the penultimate book.
It is extremely well written. It has everything one could ask for; a great story, well rounded characters, lots of twists and turns and thrilling, fast- paced action.
Dr Frieda Klein is a clinical psychotherapist who has assisted the police with a number of murder cases. There is one serial killer whom the police believe has died years earlier and only she is convinced that he is still alive. In this book there are a series of criminal events which might be attributed to this killer or maybe to a copycat. The danger comes very close to Frieda and threatens her family and friends.
Nicci French is the pseudonym for a husband and wife team of writers. I would strongly recommend this book and I intend to go back and read the previous ones in the series at the earliest opportunity.