Another great instalment of the Cal Lovett files! In the fourth book of the series, we see a severely dejected Cal refusing to accept an award for his Finding Justice podcast, following the murderer of his sister being found not guilty. Cal is really dispirited and is considering what to do moving forwards. How can he continue to find justice for others when he hasn’t been able to find it for his own sister?

Upon taking a walk with Shona one day, Cal comes across a young woman who appears upset. Cal frets about her for the rest of the day, eventually deciding to report her and an abandoned car to the police. As it turns out, she has been reported missing. Luckily, Cal and Shona help to discover her whereabouts, and this leads to Cal finding out about an older, unsolved case of a woman nicknamed ‘Hillside Jane’. ‘Jane’ was found at the same place but no one ever came forward to identify her and no one ever found out just what happened to her. Taking on her case, Cal has his new series for his podcast, is it enough to reignite his spark?

I loved being back with Cal and everyone else, I was sad to see him so down! I felt a lot of empathy towards him and I hope that going forwards he is able to find joy again. I enjoyed the story, even though the sections from the past were quite tragic and unhappy ones. I really felt for teenage Morna in particular, what a horrible upbringing she had, and to live with those feelings for the rest of her life 💔 The plot was definitely immersive and I felt a lot of different emotions for all of the characters.

Hoping there will soon be a book 5 🤞🏻

Intrepid Investigative Reporter and Podcaster Cal is feeling some burnout. His last case turned out well and he's up for an aware but it's bittersweet as his sister's killer has managed to free himself and now he's left wondering if it's all worth it.

Taking a much needed break with Shona near Loch Tay, he's hoping to relax, recharge his batteries and plot his next move. But before he can contemplate too much, he finds himself knee deep in a missing persons case, which harks back to a 20yr old murder!

What I like so much about Cal is his belief in the truth and his determination to uncover the facts. He's not into sensationalism - he wants justice for these people. He's also a patient man and that shines through in his relationship with his daughter Chrissie. He's self-aware enough to know that in living with him, Shona doesn't exactly have an easy way to get away from m*rder.

The depiction of the remote landscape and loch really add to the story. The storyline intertwines with Cal's episodes of the podcast and we see small glimpses of an even earlier story from the 1950's, which all come together so cohesively. They each drip information into the current storyline.

This is a great little mystery/thriller series with it's very unlikely but likeable MMC.

4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Cal Lovett series and it is outstanding! Cal is a true crime podcaster who tries to help others find justice, at the same time he hasn't received that for a tragedy in his own life. He's even considering giving up the podcast, but while hiking on holiday, Cal crosses paths with a young woman who he later learns had been reported missing. He also becomes interested in a cold case of an unsolved case of an unidentified woman whose remains were found years ago in the same area.

Cal is such a wonderful character! The disappearance of Cal's older sister when he was nine years old was a defining event in his life that he is still trying to come to terms with. He is kind, caring, but flawed. He has good intentions, but doesn't always make the right choices. This time, one of those decisions puts a strain on his relationship with his girlfriend, Overall, Shona and Cal's personalities complement each other well, and I like that Cal's daughter, Chrissie, is very involved in this investigation.

The description of Scottish hillsides is very atmospheric and adds to this suspenseful story. There are flashbacks to a young woman in 1952. She has a difficult life, and it doesn't take long to figure out how her story fits in with the current mystery. I've enjoyed the three prior books in this series, but this one is my favorite. I hope there are more to come in this well-written series.

Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for the advance review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

I was thrilled to be able to read "Unknown" the fourth book in the Cal Lovett Series and this was just as good as the previous three. Set in the villages and mountains surrounding Loch Tay giving an atmospheric, scenic setting with its air of menace, we see Cal Lovett - True Crime Cold Case Podcaster stepping back from work and spending some holiday time with his partner Shona, as he faces frustration that justice for his sister Margots murder hasn't seen the supposed suspect Jason Barr found guilty and put in prison.

Cal is a great character, so real, determined always keeping goíng, leaving no stone unturned, a sensitive and caring person whose life and feelings we are fully invested in. We also get to know his partner Shona and daughter Chrissie more.

In this three timeline story concerning Morna in 1952, "Jane" in 2004 and initially missing influencer Lucie in the present from the very first page we are immersed in the plot of this page-turner with its twists and turns and unexpected revelation near the end.

Another successful gripping great read by author Heather Critchlow.

I love this series, and Unknown is a fabulous addition.

Cal Lovett solves a cold case in each book and every one has drawn me right in, but it’s Cal’s own life, history and personal battles that I love the most. Cal became a true crime podcaster as part of a lifelong search for closure after his big sister, Margot went missing as a teenager. The search for Margot drives him and the way he identifies with the families he seeks closure for. But as much as he wants to end their suffering, success never fills the gap Margot left behind.

In this book, instead of a missing person Cal begins with an unidentified body, Hillside Jane, found on a rocky ledge in Loch Tay in Scotland. With a well known social media influencer missing in the mountains, an embarrassing incident at an awards do in recent memory, and his daughter acting strangely, Cal has enough on his plate. But under pressure from his boss, he inadvertently agrees to investigate who the buried Hillside Jane really is, using modern scientific methods.

Cal is a fabulous and empathic character who is tortured by both his own history and the suffering of the families he tries to help. These are deeply emotional thrillers with beautifully rounded characters whose stories become richer with every book. This series is well worth taking your time over. You could enjoy it as a standalone, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t start at the beginning with Unsolved.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in the Cal Lovett series and was delighted to read the third which was just as good as the rest.
Cal chances upon the case of 'Hillside Jane', via the matter of a missing influencer. Considering whether to use either or both investigations for his latest podcast (if there is to be another series) he has a lot to think about. Alongside this, he has his relationship with his daughter and his girlfriend to try to get back on track after the man accused of killing his sister has evaded justice. To top it all, the man's wife has now gone missing! Can Cal get to the bottom of any of this? Will he be able to resolve anything in his personal or professional life?
I love the Cal Lovett books. They are so well written; they are crime novels, with a real humane side to them. I am delighted that the fifth in the series is scheduled to be released next year, and I hope Heather writes many more. This book could easily be read as a stand alone novel, but I have enjoyed the series so very much that I would highly recommend starting from book one and reading them in order so you can as much satisfaction from the series as I have.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When True Crime Podcaster, Cal Lovett, is visiting the area around Loch Tay with his partner, Forensic Anthropologist, Shona Williams, someone mentions about Hillside Jane. She was found about 20 years ago in a remote area and this peaks his interest with attempting to discover who she is, why she was there plus what really did happen to her? Even with his personal battle with his sister, Margot's killer - Jason Barr, this doesn't stop him with investigating and seeking answers about Jane. It was well written, very descriptive, full of twists and turns, a few red herrings, which came to a dramatic conclusion. It was unputdownable and, quite frankly, it was a rollercoaster of a read!

A true crime podcaster solves a cold case in the Scottish Highlands, while brooding over another unresolved case that is closer to home . The fourth in the series but can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC. My review is given voluntarily.
A bleak story with a remote and harsh setting that reflects this atmosphere.
Many of the characters in the book are very damaged and all the more interesting for it. To the author's credit there are no trite happy endings for them. Redemption is found in relationships that have helped to mitigate the damage. Morna and Ian's marriage and Cals relationship with his daughter result in younger generations living happier lives.
The story jumps between times and places but it is very easy to follow. In fact, this technique helps add to the tension.
The use of DNA to help unravel the case is impressive.
My only complaint is the appearance of Derek Knowles at the very end of the novel allowing all loose ends to be tied up. It was rather too convenient and unbelievable.

The fourth is the Cal Lovett series, set in the Scottish Highlands is HC best in the series so far!!!

I’ve literally read the last 3 books back to back and was thrilled when Netgalley approved me for the fourth book Unknown. You can read them as srabdalones but it’s good to know who the characters are etc.

Cal Lovett is crime podcaster who n cold cases and true crime. HC really does her research and the knowledge of the area speaks for itself

Calms trying to solve a 20 year mystery of an Unknown woman found murdered in the hills, whilst still struggling with the unsolved murder if his older sister, which is a heavy burden to bear. Doubled up with a missing plane that crashed in the Loch - are the two crimes related ?

I’m already looking forward to the next part of Cal’s journey

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Canelo for the early ARC. Highly recommended

Another gripping read from Heather Critchlow - my favourite Cal Lovett novel yet! Just when you thought it was safe to go hill climbing. I liked how Cal's present seemed to be mirroring his past with the loss of his sister. A fascinating form of mystery, intrigue and murder. A must read

The 4th novel in the brilliant Cal Lovett series is the best yet.

For those unfamiliar with the series, Cal is a true crime podcaster, focusing on cold cases and bringing closure to unresolved cases, and more importantly, bringing closure to the families of the victims. With Cal's sister having been killed, he is attuned to the feelings of the victim's families which make him so driven in finding answers.

In Unknown, Cal is out hillwalking in the mountains of Loch Tay when he meets a young woman who appears distressed. Later that day, Cal is advised that this woman is actually missing leading to a widespread search for her. Running alongside that, Cal also discovers that years ago, a woman was found dead on those very hills and was buried as 'Jane' given that her true identity was never known. When advanced scientific techniques bring some answers, Cal unravels a decades old crime and seeks to bring a killer to justice.

Although the podcaster/cold case/true crime is being done to death at the moment, Critchlow has really hit the jackpot in the this series and I am always keen to read the next book in the series. Alongside each new case, the story of Cal's sister and his search for justice is a brilliant longer term storyline. Highly recommended to all.

Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A page turner. I enjoyed the unraveling journey that this story led me on, with some unexpected twists and unusual intertwining! Some connections were obvious through the viewpoint from the past but much of it left you wondering and surprised, and it was well balanced between the two. The writing style and short chapters made for an easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley & Canelo for the ARC.

As part of a series, this book is great as a standalone! Full of raw emotion and captivating, I really enjoyed this read. While it starts off slow in the beginning, the ending is well worth the wait. Cal was and is my favorite character of this book. You will just have to read it to form your own opinion. I will definitely be reading the other books in this series.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc!

What a delight to be back in the company of Cal Lovett, especially when he's in Scotland.
This is a haunting tale of loss, secrets, family and so much more.
An immersive landscape made more real by the formidable heat and the way it makes the atmosphere more cloying and more threatening.
What I like most about this series and this book in particular is the character development - beautifully realistic characters battling personal demons on various levels - so realistic and so compelling.
A great read!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of this book for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating true-crime thriller! I was unaware that this book is part of a series featuring the main character, Cal. However, the author skillfully provided enough background details about Cal's past that it didn't detract from my reading experience as a newcomer to the series.

The book immediately pulls you into the story with a compelling prequel. It was heartbreaking to read through Morna's viewpoint, but it helped to gain insight into the story. Cal, a true crime podcaster, stumbles upon a mystery while on vacation with his family. The narrative then takes you on a dual-timeline journey as it propels through the thrilling mystery of "Hillside Jane."

I look forward to reading the other books in this series and hope there will be more to come!

I love how these books always start off with a very mysterious prologue that just sucks you right in from the get go - I was instantly intrigued and wanting to know more.

It was so good to be back with Cal, Shona, Chrissie and Rocket (my fave). They are such a fab bunch of characters and so very likeable - although Cal is a typical man and some of his choices are definitely questionable!

Morna’s chapters were heartbreaking and hard to read - although I loved getting the insight into her poor life as a child. It really highlighted the cruelty of some people and the innocence and vulnerability of children who have no one to look out for them and guide them through life.

There was so much happening in this book it was like a whole new level of mysteries for Cal and his “team”. I was absolutely flying through the chapters as more and more was uncovered in the Scottish hills.

Loved the storyline and how it all panned out in the end. Another very enjoyable instalment in the Cal Lovett series - I don’t think I will ever get enough!

Looking forward to reading what comes next!

Heather Critchlow has done it again with a terrific new addition to her Cal Lovett Files series.
Cal is a true-crime podcaster who investigates cold cases. We see this story from three perspectives: Cal's viewpoint as he investigates the case; through podcast episodes; and in chapters set many decades earlier from the viewpoint of Morna, a forlorn but key character.
Following the acquittal of his sister's murderer, a crime brought to court in the previous novel, Unsound, three decades after her disappearance, Cal is set to quit his Finding Justice podcast.
But while on a hike in Aberdeenshire, he comes across not only a historic murder case but also an active missing person's enquiry. He finds himself drawn into the search for missing social influencer Lucie. To rule out a link to the unsolved murder committed above the same loch twenty years earlier, he also takes up the cold case of Hillside Jane, the unidentified victim.
Heather Critchlow's storytelling is superb. She weaves threads and timelines together seamlessly and keeps up the page-turning suspense. Seasoned crime fiction readers are likely to spot the culprit early on but rather than spoiling enjoyment that leads to a smugly satisfying read.
This is the best book so far in an already outstanding crime series.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.
Upon publication I will post my review on my blog, Amazon and GoodReads.

Sent from Outlook for Android

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

This was the perfect true crime thriller. It was suspenseful and kept me turning the pages and wanting to get back to it every chance I got. Told in a past/present format so the reader gets a back story while the present story is unraveling chapter by chapter. The characters were well developed.

Cal is a true crime podcaster, one of the best. But he's not sure if he wants to continue in his line of work and just when he's said he is throwing in the towel and he's not going to do any more stories a chance encounter with a woman on a hiking trail who later is reported missing sets him into a series of events that has him not only looking into the missing person's case of the woman he saw that day but also delving into the past and taking on a mystery of a unknown woman "Jane" who was found in the same cliffside of the loch dead and with head injuries that indicate she was likely murdered. No one knows who this woman is, and the case has been all but forgotten over the years with no one looking for her and no one able to identify this "Jane". Cal sets off digging into the past to try to uncover more, using both modern technology and relying on the people of this sleepy Scottish town to remember something.

The reader is taken on a dual timeline journey both in the present with Cal trying to fit the pieces together on who this "Jane" is and to the past all the way back to the 1950's when "Jane" was just a young girl in Scotland with nobody to turn to.

This book was centered around the crimes that have taken place in the character's lives. It also explores family, the sacrifices we sometimes make, and the secrets that sometime parents keep from their children thinking that they are protecting them.

Cal is still reeling after Jason Barr is proven not guilty of murdering his sister. He decides in the meantime to go on holiday with his partner and daughter to Scotland to the mountains that surrounding Loch Tay. He suddenly get involved when a social media Influencer goes missing on the mountains without no proper gear. The Police to search for her but it’s Cal that finally finds her. Since he is involved, the similarities are told to a woman that disappeared on the mountains over twenty years ago. Her nickname is ‘Hillside Jane’. As he is hounded to by his boss what the next podcast is going to be about Cal decides to a Podcaster about ‘Hillside jane’. What happened to her that left her to die in the remote part of the mountains. Doing this starts Cal on a journey that causes all sort of problems.
Unknown is book 4 in the Cal Lovett files series and the best one yet. I missed book three but was easy to read this as a standalone. This is well plotted and atmospheric read and I enjoyed the chapters of going back in time to the 1950’s so we get to know Morna life before she went missing. Cal is likeable character and has some determination to find out the truth, not just is own life but get the truth what happened to ‘Hillside jane’ I can’t wait to see what happens next 5 stars from me

The fourth book in the Cal Lovett series is the best one yet.

The well paced, interesting and engaging plot is enhanced by excellent writing and a wonderfully descriptive atmospheric setting.

The relationships between Cal, his daughter Chrissie and partner Shona work really well. All are interesting and relatable characters who work well together.

With plenty of twists and turns, Unknown is well worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC.