gripping from the start to the finish. i love it when i read even the first page of a book and know im in, its got me already. its such an exciting feeling. books are just great. when you get a book like this they become wonderful things and it reminds you to be thankful to talent like Helen every day.
there is a killer and they are watching deep within the shadow of Edinburgh. the bodies are piling up but what is their connection, or whom?
it seems Beth is being watched. she lost her daughter tragically to a stalker, and it seems her wants to take her too. can the team stop this happening?
the wit that weaves through this book is just great, alongside a great team working together. they are clearly a team and i like getting to know their personalities too. it always helps me care more about a book when i truly root for a character or in this case a set of characters.
the banter with the team offers a lighter note to some of the darker and emotionally heart tugging moments to do with the case. it was so sad to hear the tale of both mother and daughter in this book. and even more sad because its almost too relevant to our time today and stories we see far too often now.
i love how the layout takes us to both the story from the Teams front but also the other( ill let you find that out but its a great if chilling time)
the tension and almost anxious state this book left me in was brilliant, lol. i was genuinely worried what was coming, happening next or would end up happening and this for me means i've enjoyed a thriller. i do love a good thriller when it can do that to me.
a tense, gripping and book to both feel for and run for. i enjoyed every moment and it refused to let me go all the way through.
i cant wait to see what this author has next up her sleeve and im crossing my fingers im lucky enough to read it.

Complicated thriller with a lot of back and forth between then and now which works well in
some spots and so much so in others.
DS Lively is investigating murders which nay be connected to one killer with the help of his entire detective unit, and finding some sparks of a possible romance with Beth, a surgeon in the middle of the investigation.
The action is swift, suspenseful and fully engaging, until it is not.
The forensic profiler, Connie is too free wheeling and definitely off the cuff for my taste.
Other than her continuing presence, the story is tense and action filled.
But too many side distractions for me.

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

Oh my goodness, what did I just read?! I absolutely loved this fast paced, gritty, psychological thriller and I've never read an ending quite like this one, it absolutely fascinated me.

Watching You is extremely well crafted, very clever and had me gripped the entire way through, this ones not to be missed!

Bodies begin to appear in Edinburgh and before they know it, Police Scotland have 3 murders on their hands that need investigating and they have no idea where to start with any leads as any connections appear to be few and far between.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read from start to finish, it was full of suspense and unexpected twists which kept me guessing throughout. There were some excellent characters in the book, in particular Connie Woolwine, which I felt myself growing very attached to as the book progressed.

Helen Fields has written a fast paced, suspenseful page turner which kept me on my toes until the very end, and the final twist really took me by surprise. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this book and I would highly recommend! Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

Whilst the murders mount up in Edinburgh, Dr Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda are on the cases with Connie a most unusual but likeable character brilliantly brought to life by Ms Fields.

However, the other main characters are superb with their black humour - Lively and Beth Waterfall. Sometimes I enjoy their interactions more than the story line. That makes Ms Fields' books such a joy to read.

Suffice it to say the cases are solved after a few gruesome scenes along the way, but I loved it!

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books UK for the chance to read and review.

Whoa. Watching You doesn’t just keep you guessing—it keeps you gripping the edge of your seat, flipping pages at 2AM like your life depends on it! From the very first chapter, Helen Fields constructs a layered mystery that unfolds like a Russian nesting doll with every revelation nesting inside another. Just when you think you’ve solved it, another twist blindfolds you and spins you around. And the final reveal? Absolutely breathtaking. Watching You has one of those endings that sends a chill down your spine and makes you rethink everything you read!

I LOVED this. Connie Woolwine is absolutely one of my favourite characters encountered in any book I’ve ever read - she’s random, quirky, cool and just so unique. This book manages to bring out every emotion and is just unputdownable! And as for the ending - well I most certainly never saw that coming! Very grateful for the opportunity to preview this great thriller 🥰

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Helen Sarah Fields, and Avon Books UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always eager to explore the writing of Helen Sarah Fields, I gladly accepted this ARC. Fields delivers another strong thriller that mixes a new protagonist with one she has effectively used in the past. A killer has been targeting a number of individuals, apparently at random. A dedicated police detective in Edinburgh works with a well-known forensic scientist to find a connection. A surgeon seeks to assist, while juggling her own traumatic experience. Something is sure to come together, given the right moment and dedication to the crime. Fields adds tension to this stellar thriller to keep the reader engaged.

A killer waits the in shadows on the streets of Edinburgh. They are seeking the ideal victim. When they strike, it will be the first of a number of killings, eight in total. The killings seem random and disjointed, which baffles many.

While the bodies begin piling up, Edinburgh’s Major Incident Team is scratching their heads. DS Lively has a feeling that there must be a connection between those who have fallen victim to their killer, but nothing seems to group them. Even forensic profiler, Dr. Connie Woolwine sees it, but trying to prove it could take a great deal of time.

An established surgeon, Beth Waterfall, has just come out of her grief for a daughter who fell victim to a long-term stalker. Now, the pendulum has swung and Beth is the next victim. DS Lively has befriended her and they work through this issue, as the serial killer hunt intensifies. Helen Sarah Fields builds the tension effectively for all to enjoy.

I have enjoyed many of Helen Sarah Fields’ past novels, always finding that they tick the essential boxes for a strong thriller. As the narrative lays out the groundwork for the story, the reader can piece things together. That said, the bouncing in timelines did less for me than I feel Fields would have hoped, leaving me grasping to try assembling all the pieces. String characters helped enrich the story, particularly with the return of Dr. Connie Woolwine, though she plays less impactful a role than I have seen of her before. Twists in the plot keep the reader on edge and guessing, while never quite keeping the reader fully in the dark. I am eager to see where Helen Sarah Fields takes readers next!

Kudos, Madam Fields, for a great thriller that took a little time to capture my full attention.

I've read and loved 'The Institution' and 'Profile K' by Helen Fields so I was excited to receive a proof copy of her latest book. This was a gripping, serial killer thriller which I loved.

Bodies start to be found in the streets of Edinburgh. The brutal murders look like the work of a serial killer but what connects each case?
Renowned surgeon Beth Waterfall is grieving for her beloved only daughter after she was harrased and stalked. Could something connect these incidents and will Beth Waterfall be the next victim…
The characters are so well written. I instantly connected to Beth Waterfall and D.S Lively and felt invested in their lives. It was great to see some familiar characters too (Connie Woolvine from The Institution and Midnight Blue from Profile K) I enjoyed the dual time line and gradually finding out more about the 'watcher' and the lives of the central characters. There are some great twists towards the end which would have been impossible to predict. If you enjoy well written crime thrillers I would recommend this. I need to go back and read Helen Fields' back list now.

I should have read reviews more carefully, this storyline is just too gory, gruesome and graphic for me, the wrong choice unfortunately. It is very well written, the first book by this author that I have read. It’s a DNF for me, for the reasons stated. I will not copy this review to media outlets as I have not read the whole book.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

Watching You is another gripping addition to Helen Fields’ impressive catalogue of crime fiction. Part of the Connie Woolwine series, this novel pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go. As a longtime fan of Fields and someone who’s read most of her backlist, I was was excited to dive into Watching You, and it did not disappoint! 

Set in the gritty streets of Edinburgh, Watching You delivers a taut and atmospheric police procedural with psychological depth. Fields expertly balances suspense and pacing, gradually revealing the chilling scope of the crimes. The killer’s presence is a constant, unsettling force throughout the story, sometimes glimpsed through brief, disturbing inner monologues or quiet, voyeuristic scenes that truly made my skin crawl.

The novel reunites criminal psychologist Connie Woolwine and her partner, Brodie Baarda, who are brought in by Police Scotland to consult on a string of disturbing and unrelated murders in Edinburgh. It’s a case that kicks off fast, and longtime readers will love how this book brings together characters from across Fields’ universe. Detective Lively, a gruff, no-nonsense detective from one of Fields' earlier series, plays a major role in this narrative and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about his character and seeing a bit more of his human side.

Told through shifting timelines and perspectives, the story is layered but never confusing. Fields’ writing is crisp and clear, and she has a remarkable talent for weaving character development into the fabric of the narrative without slowing the momentum. Her characters are emotionally rich and always feel real, and I love that she builds strong, meaningful connections between them without relying on unnecessary romance, which is a big plus for me in a thriller.

Watching You stands strong on its own, but if you’ve read Fields’ earlier books, the ending packs even more excitement. There are hints that two much-loved characters might be returning in the next installment. I’m already looking forward to what’s coming next!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Helen Fields for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Is there any better feeling than being able to sit down and read a new book from an author whose work you love? That is exactly how I feel when I start on. anew book by Helen Fields and, with Watching You, it's a book that brought a few huge smiles to my face, for reasons that will become clear to anyone who reads it. From the very first page you can feel that tension and suspense start to blossom as we are thrown immediately into the sphere of the book's very first victim.

I say first as it appears that Ms Fields has, as is often the case, developed a touch of bloodlust in this latest offering. Or at least, one of her characters has, and it is just the way we like it. As victims, and murders, go, it's not the most intense or grizzly of dispatches we'll have read at the pen of this particular author, but it is still one that makes its mark, largely as we are treated to the final conscious thoughts of the soon to be deceased. And the intrigue only grows from there.

The reason for smile number one? Well, not only do we find ourselves back in a very familiar location, but there are, within the first couple of chapters, some very familiar names on hand to help this particularly disturbing case along. And I am not talking only of Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda. The two have been engaged by Police Scotland to help with a trio of murders in Edinburgh, a tantalisingly gleeful prospect that delivers the Helen Fields series mash-up we all really really wanted. Yep, Connie and Baarda find themselves working alongside DS Lively and DS Salter from the truly brilliant Perfect series, and the combination of the two worlds - the gruff sarcasm of Lively, the overt dominance of Detective Superintendent Overbeck, and the straight talking, profile driven insights of the wonderfully unique Connie Woolwine - really does make this book an absolute joy that I just tore through.

I really enjoyed the way in which Helen Fields has played out this book. I don't want to say too much about the plot directly, but the action moves back and forth in time, bringing to bear the past of one of the characters who is pivotal to the story, surgeon Beth Waterfall, and the tragedy that befell her beloved daughter, Molly. Throughout the scenes, though not overly graphic, Helen Fields manages to convey the psychological impact of a sustained campaign of stalking, and the near impotence of the victim in being able to do anything about it. How this ties in with the present day is one of the great mysteries of the book, and it had my mind churning with all kinds of ideas about what might be going on. It certainly serves to keep you on edge as it seems the stalker has moved the focus of their attention, and those close call moments between perpetrator and victim keep the pacing and urgency spot on.

As for the main case, the three murders that precipitate Connie's return to Edinburgh, they are as different as can be, not only by victim, but also by nature of dispatch, and it is hard to see how they can be linked. Once again, we are treated to a real examination of psychological profiling, explored through Connie's rather unique methodology, as she and Baarda try to draw out a suspect profile from next to no evidence. That is one of the real draws for me to this series. Connie is such a brilliant character, the ways in which she identifies with the victims, speaks to them as someone who truly cares for their feelings, no matter that she might draw strange looks from those around you, or that the victim no longer hears. There is a self confidence, and a magnetism about her character that just keeps me glued to the page, and a compassion expressed through sometime unconventional methods.

Contrast this with DS Lively and it really is a chalk and cheese kind of investigation. Lively is, as long term readers of the author will know, a bit more of a gruff, no nonsense, non sufferer of fools kind of cop and Connie's fru-fru methods of getting to a result couldn't be further from his personal style. He has a soft streak in him, but that is often hidden behind a thick veil of sarcasm. We see far more of that soft side in this book, and it was rather heartwarming. There is a brilliant working relationship between him and Salter, and a barb laden respect between him and Overbeck, the reasons for which constant readers understand. With a whole cast of fantastically observed characters, I really did find myself drawn into the fates of the characters, feeling sad for some of the victims, even those who perhaps weren't as sympathetic as you might expect.

And as for the conclusion ... well, this book has two big surprises in store. The main twist, and it is one heck of a jaw dropper, really did catch me unawares. Absolutely brilliant and delivered in such a calm and unassuming way that I wasn't sure whether to grin, nod in appreciation or weep for the reality of what had come to pass. And then, just when we think things are on an almost even keel, there is a moment we didn't know we were waiting for, but that readers will revel in none the less. I know I did.

Another absolutely brilliant addition to my ever growing Helen Fields library. Fans of either series are going to love it. It's not essential to have read any other books to enjoy this book, but you're missing a treat if you've not at least dipped a toe into either series yet. And that ending will mean so much more if you have. Highly recommended and I cannot wait to see what the future holds from this author.

Such a good book. Lively is a great character, so glad to have more of him. He is very likeable and I find myself rooting for him, especially when he meets Beth at the hospital and realises how much he likes her. And it seems like she is going to be really good for him too. Helen Fields writes so well that I completely empathised with Molly when she was suffering from being stalked and you could feel the tension and fear for her and Beth as the incidents escalated. Against a backdrop of murders where there was seemingly no connection, we were introduced to the character Carl and learnt about his relationships with his poorly father and bullying mother. We also get more from Connie Woolwine and her strange ways of interpreting events as a profiler. I find her a fascinating character especially how she gets Brodie to go along with her ways of re-enacting crimes.
The way the reader is lead down various paths as the story develops is clever and the twist when it comes near the end is shocking!
(I like the nod to other certain characters too- phew!)

3.5 stars rounded up. A good book, lot''s of detail and my first by Helen Sarah Fields. It has been well thought out and gives you a few twists with lots of drama. I wan't to keen on the dual time lime but that's just a personal preference. Could be a bit confusing for some but not overly. I felt the pace was a bit slow at times and I struggles to get into it but once I did it was well worth it. I enjoyed the personal relationships that form the story and give a bit more interest.

Thank you NetGalley, Helen Sarah Fields and Avon Books Uk for the ARC.

I was so excited to receive an early copy of this book I could hardly contain myself! The book was incredible, with a great, fast-paced story, and a few twists I had to read twice over. The formatting was a little tricky in places, but of course that’s to be expected with an early copy. Thanks so much for letting me get the chance to read it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gripping. Relentless. Completely Unputdownable.

Watching You is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the throat from page one—and doesn’t let go until the final, chilling twist.

Helen Fields is at the top of her game here. This isn’t just a murder mystery—it’s a full-body experience: tension in your chest, dread in your stomach, and constant suspicion clouding every character. I was hooked, horrified, and absolutely obsessed.

🩸 A ruthless serial killer on the loose
🕵️‍♂️ A desperate investigation with razor-sharp twists
💔 A grieving mother, a haunted detective, and a profiler who sees too much
📍Set against the brooding streets of Edinburgh

Fields expertly weaves together grief, trauma, and psychological suspense into a serial killer thriller that feels devastatingly real. The pacing is pitch-perfect, the stakes are sky-high, and the ending? Jaw. On. Floor.

Dr Connie Woolwine’s expertise is called upon once again but this time she is assisting DS Lively with some seemingly unconnected murders in Edinburgh. As the body count rises, they become more convinced that these murders may be linked after all. With seven in total so far, the unconventional Dr and Scotland Yard detective find themselves in a race against time before any more bodies turn up.
Elsewhere Dr Beth Waterfall, a decorated surgeon is still mourning the death of her only daughter, who committed suicide after becoming the victim of a stalker. Beth is living in fear that she may become the same fate – but how does this link to the spate of killings?
Can the psychologist and detective find this killer who calls themselves ‘The Watcher’ before it’s too late?
I absolutely love Helen’s writing!! She has a way of luring you in with a false sense of security, as though you are waiting for someone to jump out at you from around a corner! The story chuggs away at the start like being sat on a leisurely train ride, then all of a sudden BANG! You’re on the wildest roller coaster of your life!! And in true Helen style, the biggest twist ever that you literally will not even expect AT ALL!
Absolutely loved this! And Dr Connie is my absolute fave!! I really think she deserves a spin of series of her own!
Thank you Helen and NetGalley for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for my review!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Watching You by Helen Fields. This was a gripping read, and Connie Woolwine is, as always, a tour de force—fierce, intelligent and unapologetically complex. The character development across the board is strong, and I was fully invested in the dynamics between the investigative team and the suspects.

The forensic detail, especially around neurology and psychological profiling, is exceptional. It’s clear that Fields has done her research, and it adds real depth and credibility to the plot.

While I was completely hooked for most of the book, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the final few chapters but that didn’t take away from how compelling the journey was overall. A dark, smart and thought-provoking thriller that I’d definitely recommend.

I am a big fan of Helen Fields’ novels - I’ve read nearly all of the DI Callanach series and all of the Dr Connie Woolwine books and so requesting Watching You was a no-brainer.

Watching You is set in the same precinct as the DI Callanach series and has Connie Woolwine featuring, as well as side characters from Profile K. These are great if you have read all of the other books as it gives extra information on each of the characters (as well as a little Easter egg for the next read from Fields), but I don’t think would matter too much if you didn’t know all of the key players. The plot is intriguing and twisty enough to keep you hooked at every turn.

One thing that I love about Helen Fields’ writing is that she really puts you in the shoes of her characters and makes you empathise with them. Whether that is the perpetrator with a troubled past, the police that are trying to catch them, or even a victim that you know will end up dead in a few pages time. This is particularly showcased in the chapter from Divya Singh’s perspective, which stuck with me throughout.

The changes in perspectives and time-line jumps are used to good effect and the plot never becomes confusing or muddled. It works to keep the tension high, drip-feed information to the reader and add dimension to the plot. I can’t say anything without giving away spoilers but the ending is brilliant and I did not see that twist coming – perfect storytelling!

Overall, Watching You is another brilliant and twisty read from Helen Fields – highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books UK for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping hunt for a serial killer takes a couple of unexpected but welcome twists in the denouement that raises its rating from 3 to 4 stars. I was particularly impressed with the character of Connie, a brash profiler whose talents extend to conversing with the dead!