As always, Helen Fields delivers! Brilliant storyline, I love Baarda and Connie and can't wait to see where their lives take them next. Story grips you and sucks you right in, and the twist at the end was very unexpected - fabulous!

Watching you is one of those books that has a really surprising ending. I honestly did not expect the way that it went!

This is the story of a series of murders happening over a period of time and to start with there seems to be little link. Dr Connie Woolwine and Baarda are brought back in to see if they can figure out the profile of the killer.

Overall this is an enjoyable book. Not fast paced, but interesting and keeps you asking questions.

3.5 out of 5 stars

"Watching You" by Helen Fields kicks off with a gripping and unsettling murder told from the victim Dale’s point of view—a unique and haunting choice that instantly drew me in. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Scotland, the story quickly expands to another murder, this time of a local homeless man, and shifts to the perspective of Detective Sergeant Lively. The plot thickens when Lively begins to bond with the doctor who tried to save the second victim, all while being unknowingly observed by the “Watcher.”

Fields uses multiple points of view throughout, including those of the victims, which adds depth and dread but can sometimes feel disjointed. The suspense builds well in parts, and the voyeuristic element is undeniably creepy. However, the narrative occasionally loses focus, and the emotional impact lessens as more POVs are introduced.

While the premise is strong and the writing solid, the pacing falters in places, and some character development felt rushed or surface-level. Overall, this is an intriguing psychological thriller with some standout moments, but it didn’t fully deliver on its chilling promise.

I absolutely loved this latest, grizzly offering from Fields and I admit to devouring this in one session. We have our recurring characters in the form of Salter, Overbeck, Lively Connie and Brodie, I always like this aspect and getting to see the character developments is enjoyable. In this one, Lively really takes centre stage which was nice to see and his development really helped flesh out his character. The other characters are all strong as well, they all play their role exquisitely. The return of Connie and Brodie provides a different aspect to your usual crime reads, whilst I think some of their behaviour is out there, it is certainly interesting and moves the plot along.
As always, this is a gruesome, explicit read so this is not one for the faint hearted. However, the plot is so much more than that, it is incredibly dramatic and I was full of adrenaline the whole way through, not knowing where the next danger and twist was coming from. This also has a lot of emotion throughout the book, mainly down to Beth and her daughter, Molly's story. It made a crime read a lot more realistic and meant I was really rooting for the police investigation.
There are some very surprising aspects to this plot, which I will not detail but I ended up finding this a remarkable, fascinating read and one that I will remember for a very long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.

When a new Helen Fields book drops, all other reading plans fly out of the window.

Watching You features Dr Connie Woolwine and Brodie Baarda, back in Edinburgh to assist on what proves to be a very intense and complex case. Dr Beth Waterfall, a surgeon, is enduring a torrid time, still grieving for her daughter. A chain of seemingly unconnected, very unnatural deaths, bring her in to the investigation; which is a dangerous place to be. As the body count keeps rising, the pressure to find who is responsible ramps up.

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, the plot held me gripped tightly, and the pace kept up throughout. The characters are well developed, the highly unpleasant, unnerving one getting under my skin. Just the thought of them makes your skin prickle. I really enjoyed touching base with Midnight, Dawn and Doris again.

I love Connie’s character. To say that she takes a very hands on approach to her profiling, is an understatement. The interactions, and verbal exchanges between Connie, and some of the other characters, were so well written and entertaining. I was cheering her on. If there were more women like her in positions of authority, our world wouldn’t be in the dire straits it currently is.

There is so much to unpack in this book, and when you think you have processed everything, the author throws more twists and turns at you. As I neared the end of the book, my heart broke, for many of the characters.

Watching You is chilling, and unputdownable. It’s a highly recommended 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I raced through it in 48 hours, and sadly have to wait patiently for whatever Helen writes next.

Wow! I have read *almost* all of Helen Fields books so I knew I wasn't going to be disappointed.

This is set in Edinburgh, following a major incident team investigating bodies that have no obvious link.

Fields’ writing is sharp and atmospheric, drawing you into the unsettling world of both the investigators and the perpetrator. The plot is well-constructed, with twists that keep you guessing and moments of genuine suspense that are hard to shake.

This book is amazing and I would highly recommend it!

📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Helen Fields and Avon Books UK 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚

When I say I’m a fan of Helen Fields’ books, I mean it.

I’ve read all of her series thrillers, the standalones and the legal thriller Degrees Of Guilt. My absolute favourites are the darkest thrillers which Helen Fields writes so well, The Profiler and some of the Perfect series.

I enjoy the Connie Woolwine series, the quirky psychological profiler is a great character and the books feel like a flight of fancy where anything can happen, and probably will.

There’s a k*ller on the loose, multiple victims with no connection, k*lled in wide variety of ways. There’s a great cast of characters both returning from the previous books and from The Profiler. It’s a very entertaining story with plenty going on, actual jump scare shocks, and plenty of twists.

Sometimes you read a book by a favourite author and it really makes you appreciate the depth and variety of their work. This is one of those books. Lots of fun and thoroughly enjoyable.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK

Brilliant brilliant brilliant, intense, thrilling and unputdownable. Did guess who was doing the killing but really didn't detract from who intriguing this book is. Fantastic.Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

Firstly i have to say i simply love DS Lively.
Great gory storyline and well written characters.
I read this far to quickly, its a real edgy read.
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

I was completely blown away by this book it was sheer brilliance! I love books that grab you from the beginning and hold on so tightly that you cannot put the book down.

I was hooked from the start and couldn’t stop turning pages long into the night. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me holding on… it was truly wonderful!