Clare Mackintosh has done it again. This one honestly might be my favorite of the series so far! Please keep them coming!!

Wow, wow, wow - one of the best mystery/thrillers I’ve read so far in 2025! In “Other People’s Houses” we reunite with Ffion and Leo as they conduct dueling investigations - Ffion’s the riverside murder of a real estate agent and Leo’s a string of robberies in a affluent neighborhood - that eventually converge and lead to clues to a years-long unsolved double homicide that’s become the subject of a popular podcast. This book was SO GOOD! The mystery itself was amazing and the way the author was able to build all these connections between the three cases was so shocking I couldn’t stop reading. There was also so much in this installment about Ffion and Leo’s relationship, as well as their relationships with Leo’s son Harris and ex-wife Allie, that I loved. As with the other books, the cast of characters continues to be fantastic and it was crazy to read about how all of these messy, wealthy people were connected. AND THAT ENDING! @claremackwrites I know you’re next book is a standalone but I NEED more Ffion and Leo. This was a perfect continuation of the series and I highly recommend all three books to any mystery/thriller enthusiasts.

Honestly, I think Other People's Houses might just be my favorite installment of the DC Morgan series yet. I can't say that would actually call Ffion “lovable” (as the Goodreads blurb does) — I would never in a million years want to have to deal with her on a daily basis — but she's a fun character, and Leo's alright. Dave the dog, of course, is the real MVP of this entire series, and even if he's not quite a good boy, he's definitely, um … spirited.

Surprisingly, though, the chapters I found most entertaining this go-round involve Leo's ex-wife, Allie. Sure, she's absolutely insufferable and is in need of some serious therapy, but I really enjoyed reading about her escapades on The Hill. I'm not sure that most of her chapters were strictly necessary – they really don't contribute much to the core story, at least until the end — but I thought they were great. I was embarrassed for her, sure, but it was like a train wreck that I couldn't look away from.

I also really enjoyed the double mystery aspect. Ffion is working a murder case, and Leo is working on a burglary thing, and it's probably not spoiling anything to suggest that they get rather intertwined. The twist at the end was quite good, too, and I never saw the identity of the murderer coming.

This book also taught me some new vocabulary. There's “curb-crawling,” which is apparently what you do when you drive around slowly in order to find a prostitute. Who knew? Well, okay, maybe Hugh Grant is familiar with the term (too soon?), but I'd certainly never heard it before. And then there's the delightful word “gazump,” which I knew was a Britishism before I even looked it up because they have all the best words and involves a seller who accepts a higher offer on a house after having already agreed to yours. “Gazump” is definitely a word I'm going to work into my conversations as much as possible … “curb-crawling,” maybe not so much.

Do expect to see less of Ffion's family in this one. Her mother only barely makes an appearance, and Seren is basically nonexistent.

I did think that the big change in Leo and Ffion's relationship there at the end was a little predictable. I saw it coming from a mile away, and I get the feeling it's probably going to annoy me when the next book rolls around. Oh, well.

Anyway, if you've enjoyed the previous books in this series, there's a pretty good chance you'll enjoy this one too. I'll definitely keep reading them for as long as Clare Mackintosh keeps writing them, and I'm already looking forward to Dave's antics in book #4.

4.35 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is September 16, 2025.

The Hill is the neighborhood where everyone wants to live, however, there have been a few houses that have been broken into lately. Nothing of real value has been stolen. Across town, a group of realtors are having a retreat at a lake when one of them is murdered. Are these two connected? Multiple story lines make this an interesting read that I enjoyed.

I really liked the last party and A Game of lies, so when I saw a third book came out about Leo and DC Morgan, I couldn’t wait to start it! This one was a 5 star read for me. I loved the different point of views and how it all end up fitting together. This book kept my attention from the beginning and l couldn’t put it down. I was so happy to be given the chance to read an advance reader copy through NetGalley. If you loved the first 2 books, I would definitely recommend picking this one up!

This can be read as a standalone, but to get maximum enjoyment of the characters and their dynamic, I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series. The mystery itself was engaging and I found myself turning page after page. What I didn't love was Detective Ffion and Leo's ex! Both were incredibly annoying and I was less invested in the two detectives relationship.

Two endearing detectives are working the case if mysterious break ins to luxurious homes. Absolutely engrossing and wonderfully written. I was sad to see it end.

Honestly, I did not like Ffion in this book. Leo was great but Ffion just seemed so bitter. The plot was good and engaging.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this unforgettable ARC. I think this one is the best one yet. This is book 3 that can be read as a standalone. I ripped my way through this one rather quickly. I would recommend this series with DC Ffion and Leo to readers who enjoy character driven mysteries. Claire Mackintosh you have done it again.

I had read the last book by Clare Mackintosh, A Game of Lies, and I enjoyed it and the characters. I saw this was a continuation of the same characters and wanted to see what I thought about it.

I really enjoyed the story, both the mystery of the home invasions and the relationships of the characters. Including how Leo’s ex manages to insert herself into every situation.

I would definitely recommend this and the series with DC Ffion and Leo to readers who enjoy character driven mysteries. Similar to Galbraith’s Strike series but much more digestible.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

**A Gripping Tale of Secrets, Suspicion, and Hidden Dangers** Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh is a compelling and addictive read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story expertly weaves together the high-stakes investigations of DS Leo Brady and DC Ffion Morgan as they delve into a series of break-ins in the luxurious, seemingly perfect neighborhood of Cheshire—a community where everyone’s secrets come at a high cost. The suspense ramps up quickly, with the tension building through red herrings, startling twists, and a cast of intriguing characters. When Ffion finds herself investigating a murder in Wales, her clash with Leo’s case adds an extra layer of complexity. The narrative is fast-paced, pulsing with danger and intrigue, and just when you think you have it figured out, Mackintosh throws in a surprise that leaves you reeling. If you love mysteries packed with secrets, suspense, and enough surprises to keep you guessing, Other People’s Houses is a four-star ride you won’t want to put down!

This book was good but a little disorganized for me. There were a lot of characters and sometimes was hard to keep track of them. There was a crime storyline in the present, a past crime storyline, some podcast comments that didn’t add much to the story, and then so many characters from then, now, name changes, and it was all just too much to follow. The story was good but just felt very disorganized. I think a lot could have been edited without detracting from the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Sourcebooks for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review. Publication date Sept 16, 2025

Other People's Houses is another fascinating entry in Clare Mackintosh's Ffion Morgan series. The story initially focuses on two different crimes: a string of break-ins in an upscale British neighborhood called the Hill, and a woman found dead in an overturned kayak in a Welsh lake. Ffion is assigned to work in the murder case while her boyfriend Leo Brady is assigned to work the burglary case. As they work on their respective cases they discover that not only are the cases connected but also that both cases connect to an unsolved cold case from ten years ago. Clare Mackintosh does a good job of weaving elements of each case together while also giving Ffion and Leo some real character growth. I enjoy the series and will read book 4 if and when it comes out. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Sourcebooks for an early electronic copy. All opinions are my own.
4.25 Stars This one will hit the U.S. shelves Sept. 16

This is a series that just gets better with each outing. You can count on a couple of crimes being worked simultaneously along with relationships both personal and within the workforce being mined for extra character depth. In book 3 the readers are treated to a pronunciation guide and a map of The Hill. I loved the guide but confess, I don't think I pronounce anything any better than before.

Ffion and Leo are back. One is working a possible serial burglar case while the other is working a suspicious drowning death. As always, there is the divide between Wales and England which also creates some logistic issues for Ffion and Leo's growing affair. But that isn't the only divide explored in Other People's Houses.

In this 3rd installment, the reader gets to meet and learn more about Leo's ex-wife, Allie. A social climber without the means to be accepted up The Hill. As the break-ins hit a few homes up top, Allie sees it as a way to get a foot in along with helping out the local moneyed people with collecting items for a boot sale. Her bumbling around also puts herself and son at risk, too. Allie's need to be accepted by those out of her financial reach is almost pathological and sometimes funny.

What's not funny is the sexual harassment that Ffion experiences and the payback she receives after rebuffing the offender. Dave the dog also seems to be in the hot spot in this book, too.

There is a little cliffhanger at the end that suggests that perhaps a 4th installment will eventually come our way. I look forward to reading more about Ffion and Leo.

Third book in the DC Morgan series. Good pacing, keeps the series together and going strong. Fun twists and suspense along the way.

Release: September 16, 2025
Author: Clare Makcintosh
Publisher: Sourcebooks

Rating: 4 ★ 

Everyone wants to live on The Hill—an upscale, secure neighborhood that seems like the perfect place to call home. But when a string of break-ins starts to rattle the community, DS Leo Brady begins to suspect the intruder isn’t just after valuables—they’re searching for something, or someone, specific. Meanwhile, across the border in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan pulls the body of an estate agent from a lake. Ffion might not have much sympathy for estate agents, but this death feels personal—and deliberate. As their investigations begin to overlap, Leo and Ffion uncover a tangle of secrets, showing just how far people will go to protect their perfect lives.

This was such a fast-paced, unputdownable read! The series just keeps getting better, and I think this might be the best one yet. Leo and Ffion are each working their own cases, but things start to overlap in surprising ways—especially when a decade-old murder resurfaces and grabs media attention again. I loved the way everything slowly connected, and the ending genuinely caught me off guard. The writing is easy to sink into, with just the right balance of twists and even a few moments of humor to lighten the tension. Whether you’re following the series or picking this one up on its own, it’s a solid mystery thriller that keeps you hooked. I’m already looking forward to the next book!

Favorite Quote:
"so many people fancy themselves as armchair detectives, just because they once got out of an escape room."

#otherpeopleshouses is an excellent police procedural, my first featuring DC Morgan. Fortunately, it doesn't matter if you haven't read #1 or 2 - Mackintosh gives you enough information so you're not lost but no spoilers. Lots of twists and turns and surprises I didn't see coming. Highly recommend.

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC.

This is the 3rd book in the DC Morgan series. I just love a good mystery novel. The plot is very interesting and you dive right into solving the murder. It's always the perfect muti narration between Ffion and Leo.

This is my first time reading a book by this author but I will definitely read more! This was thrilling mystery told from multiple POV with a ton of suburban drama. The main character is a badass detective and I loved seeing the relationships between the characters unfold.

I was so excited to get another book in this series! I really enjoy Ffion’s story and attitude. I am enjoying watching her relationship progress. Good mystery to solve with great characters!