The main things about Kerry Wilkinson’s books are how ordinary and relatable the characters are and how clever and original the plots are, and this, The Tapes, is no different.
Interesting, multilayered characters, flawed like the rest of us, find themselves in unusual situations.
When Eve is clearing out her late father’s possessions, she stumbles across some cassette tapes belonging to her mother. As she listens, she opens an unstoppable Pandora's box.
A fast-paced read with a brilliant twist

5 Stars!
I devoured this book from start to finish. The storyline is gripping, and the twists are incredibly well done—I never saw them coming! Perfect for any fan of thrillers, this one kept me hooked the whole way through. I especially loved the fast-paced, short chapters and the constant sense of suspense. If you haven’t picked this one up yet, you definitely should!

I had a hard time with this book honestly. There wasn’t anything wrong with it necessarily, I just had a hard time staying interested in it. There’s a few twists throughout the book, and while I didn’t guess them, I didn’t really care about them either.

The premise of this book was interesting and I think it had potential, it just didn’t hit in the way that I wanted it to hit.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "The Tapes" in exchange for my honest opinion.

Kerry Wilkinson has the ability to grab the reader with his first sentence and not let go until the last. There are twists and turns, the reader will be questioning if the characters they thought were innocent really are. There is always a shocking twist ending that you never see coming because his books are so brilliantly crafted.

Eve's mother Angela disappeared 13 years ago. They never found her and she's had questions all her life. Her father recently passed and she's clearing up his house before putting it on the market. She finds a box of cassette tapes and a recorder. For the first time in years she hears her mother's voice. However, her mother says that if she turns up missing, she isn't - she's been killed. This sparks Eve on a quest to find out what happened to her mother. She claims to know who the Earring Killer is and that might have got her killed as well.

An interesting feature of this book is a "book within a book" storytelling. Angela's friend Vivian Mallory has written a book about the Earring Killers victims and chapters from her book are interspersed in the actual book. The reader gets to know the victims of this serial killer.

When her father's home is broken into Eve realizes that someone is after the tapes because they know they will be named in them. Eve risks her own life to bring justice to the victims. Eve finds her answers and a friend along the way. A thrilling read as always from Mr. Wilkinson that had me turning the pages wanting to find out what would happen next. Worthy of more than 5 stars.

Publish Date: August 11, 2025

If you love true crime podcasts, short chapters, or twisty mysteries that pull you in right away, The Tapes is worth checking out.
The story follows Eve, who discovers a box of old cassette tapes recorded by her mom, who disappeared thirteen years ago. She starts listening and quickly realizes the tapes might hold answers about what really happened. Maybe even clues to the identity of a serial killer. That premise alone got me interested.

This is a super quick read. You could easily finish it in a day. The mystery is easy to follow but still full of surprises. I didn’t see a few of the twists coming, which made it a lot of fun. I’ve learned that thrillers are better for me when I stop trying to solve everything before the characters do, and that was definitely true here. When I looked back, the clues were there the whole time, which I always appreciate.

I liked the way the story blended past and present using old case files and tape transcripts. It helped slowly build the bigger picture. The pacing felt steady but not super urgent. I never felt that I have to get back to this feeling, but I still wanted to see how it all played out. The ending especially left me wanting just a little more.

This was my first Kerry Wilkinson book and I’ll definitely be looking into more of his work. If you like atmospheric mysteries, stories about complicated mother-daughter relationships, or books that are easy to fly through, give this one a try.

Special thanks to Netgalley & Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for my review!

🕵️‍♀️ Pair it with:
🎧 A true crime podcast playlist
📻 A vintage-inspired cocktail (something bourbon-y or cherry cola flavored)
🧁 A snack you’d eat while digging through old boxes in the attic—maybe salty-sweet trail mix or something nostalgic

Thank you Net Galley and Bookouture for this ARC! Release day is August 11, 2025! This was a short, fast-paced thriller that held my attention. The story follows Eve, a woman who finds a box of cassette tapes recorded by her missing mother. Eve thinks the tapes could give her a clue into how her mother disappeared 13 years ago, and possibly reveal the identity of a serial killer. An easy, entertaining, quick read!

The premise of The Tapes immediately hooked me: “If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.” I mean… come on. How could I not want to read that?

The story follows Eve, who discovers a box of old cassette tapes after her father’s death — tapes that contain recordings left behind by her long-missing mother. From there, the mystery spirals: Is her mother alive? Dead? What really happened all those years ago? And how does a serial killer tie into it all?

This was a pretty quick read, told entirely from Eve’s perspective. I thought the pacing was solid, with a few slower or slightly repetitive moments around the halfway point, but overall it held my attention and kept me curious.

There were twists — some I didn’t see coming — which made for an enjoyable reading experience. I’ve learned that thrillers are more fun for me when I don’t try to solve them ahead of time, and that was definitely true here. Looking back, there were clues along the way that made sense in hindsight, which I always appreciate.

My only real wish is that the tapes themselves played a bigger role. With a title like The Tapes, I expected them to be more central to the plot. They were important, but I wanted a little more depth or involvement there.

That said, the story wrapped up in a satisfying way. It was intriguing, well-paced, and worth the read — especially for thriller fans who like a solid, emotional mystery without over-the-top gore or chaos.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 if I could!)
I loved the cover and the premise had me intrigued right away—cassette tapes, a long-ago murder, and the mystery of a missing mother? I was in. And while the story had some great moments, overall it just didn’t fully land for me.

The structure—with transcripts from the original case mixed in with the present-day investigation—was a strong point. I liked how those pieces slowly helped build the bigger picture. But the pacing felt a little flat, and I never got that I need to get back to this book feeling. The ending, especially, left me wanting more.

This was my first book by Kerry Wilkinson, and I did enjoy the writing style—enough that I’d try another one of his down the line. This one just didn’t totally hit for me, but I can definitely see the appeal for others.

What a dark, interesting, and unique story! I loved the nostalgia of the cassette tapes, the mother's story was immersive and chilling, the serial killer plotline was dark and twisty, and i loved how this had a true crime vibe to it.

3 1/2 stars

The Tapes is my first introduction to this author. the premise was intriguing, and the use of cassette tapes brings some nostalgia.

The storyline itself was intriguing, and it kept the reader turning the pages. The snippets of the book regarding the notorious serial killer of this town filled in the gaps about the past victims that gave the story some added depth. I thought I had it figured out and was pleasantly surprised when I had it wrong. I would read this author again.

4.5 ⭐️
I havent read anything by Kerry Wilkinson but after this I will definitely be looking at his other books!

I loved this!!! short chapters, so fast paced, SO many twists and turns i just did not want to put it down. I read it in 2 sittings and the ending just floored me!! Kerry's writing is so descriptive it just kept me so engrossed the whole time.

thank you Kerry and Bookouture for the eARC 💕

5 stars

Eve was having a hard time cleaning out her late father's house after his recent passing. First, her mother disappeared over ten years ago, and now losing her father... It was only when she discovered a dusty case of cassette tapes covered in her mother, Angela's, handwriting that she felt a bit of family connection again. Listening to her mother's voice through an ancient tape recorder brought Eve a modicum of comfort - until she came upon a tape marked with her own name on it. And the things that Angela referred to on that tape made Eve's blood run cold. Did her mother really run away and disappear all those years ago? Or was she in fact - as she clearly alleged on her tape to her daughter - about to be murdered?

I finished this book in two days straight because I found it nearly impossible to put down. I knew there would be twists and turns throughout the story but I was definitely not expecting that ending; I love when a mystery thriller catches me completely by surprise. The author threw a lot of red herrings in the mix so I was sufficiently stumped and simply HAD to keep reading to find out what was actually happening. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy of this book if you love a chilling yet confounding mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley, author Kerry Wilkinson, and Bookouture for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.

The Tapes is one of those thrillers you can fly through in a day. It’s a speedy read, with short, punchy chapters and a mystery that hooks you right away. Eve, the main character, stumbles across a box of cassette tapes that unravel dark secrets and pull her into a story of lies, suspicion, and danger.

I loved how the tension built as Eve listened to each tape, and there are a few twists that genuinely surprised me. It’s the kind of book that would be perfect for a vacation or a lazy weekend—fast‑paced, entertaining, and easy to follow.

That said, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. The characters skim the surface, and while it’s fun and twisty, it doesn’t linger with you afterward. Still, for a light thriller to throw in your beach bag or devour on a plane, it does the job nicely.

Thank you #netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When the blurb says “If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered”, you know you’re in for a suspenseful ride!

Eve was sorting out her parent’s house after the passing of her father, she discovers recoded cassette tapes with her names on it by her mother who has gone missing thirteen years ago. On tapes, Eve’s mother speculates she’s been murdered. Eve takes up her mother’s mission, determined to uncover the truth. With every cassette she listens to, the more twisty it gets!

What really stood out to me was the clever plotting as the book with a clear outline of which day it was in terms of the story and the article inserts regarding the murder victims. I thought this made it feel more modern in comparison to the cassette tape with a retro podcast feel.

Eve is very relatable because who doesn’t want closure of their mother’s sudden disappearance? Even though I could not relate to her family dynamics, Wilkinson made me feel like Eve was an old friend. *SPOILER ALERT* The victims are also relatable, for having them all missing one earring. I mean, The Earring Killer does seem is on the hunt any woman wearing a pair of earrings and who doesn’t wear earrings daily? I know I do.

This is very much recommended book to anyone who enjoys true crime podcast!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this opportunity!

The Tapes is out on August 11th, 2025.

★3.75

This one’s for mystery lovers, true-crime podcast addicts, or honestly anyone who just wants to read about a woman trying to reconnect with the mother she lost.

After her dad passes away, Eve finds a box of old cassette tapes in his garage, recordings left by her long-missing mom. From there, things spiral into a tangled, weird journey involving a serial killer, a stolen jewelry box, and secrets buried deep in Eve’s family.

The story moves across the small-town spaces, her dad’s house, work, AA meetings, and her own home with her daughter, all while bouncing between present-day unraveling and excerpts from a true-crime book written by her mom’s best friend, Vivian, about the serial killer.

It’s emotional, atmospheric, and very easy to fly through. I loved Eve’s relationship with her daughter, how fiercely she protects her, and with Vivian!! Though it sadly doesn’t get a ton of page time, that last chapter low-key made me tear up.

But it's not without flaws, some plot threads feel like they’re just there to mess with you, fake twists with no real payoff or explanation later on? Still, the heart of it hit me ... a woman chasing answers, not for revenge, but to feel even a scrap of love from her mom. You’ll understand what I mean once you read it.

Thanks to Net Galley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Amazing. So so amazing. I was captivated from the very first page. For someone that's been in a horrible book slump it was a breath of fresh air to be so invested.

The Tapes follow Eve, who while clearing out her father’s house, finds a box of cassette tapes - including one labeled with her name, in her missing mother’s handwriting. When she presses play, her mother’s voice delivers a chilling message: “If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.” As Eve desperately searches the tapes for answers, dark secrets emerge - and she realises she can’t go to the police. Her mother had her own secrets, and her killer may still be out there. And what if Eve is next?

The premise of The Tapes hooked me instantly, and it delivered exactly what I hoped for: a binge‑worthy psychological thriller. The eeriness and nostalgia had me completely immersed, and I ended up finishing it in just a few hours.

Told entirely from Eve’s perspective, the narrative kicks off the moment she discovers the tapes in the opening chapter. Eve is a compelling character to read. She’s grieving and vulnerable, yet resolute and fiercely determined to uncover the truth for herself and her family.

The pacing of The Tapes is deliberate, layering emotional depth and intensity that keeps the tension building. I also enjoyed the book excerpts woven throughout, revealing the fates of other victims - a subtle but chilling touch that tied the story together. And the ending delivered exactly what it needed to: a twist that was both shocking and heartbreaking, bringing everything to a powerful close.

Thank you so much to Bookouture for sending me this advanced copy of The Tapes to read and review. My opinions are my own.

4 out of 5
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Eve is cleaning out the garage of her father who just passed away and she comes across some recorded tapes of her mother’s who disappeared 13 years ago.

The tapes say that she hasn’t disappeared, she’s been murdered. Eve’s mom is known to stretch the truth so Eve does not turn the tapes into the police. Eve’s mom is suspected to have been murdered by the Earring Killer as she states she stole a jewelry box and found a house compartment with the earrings stolen by the killer; he knows she took it and will be coming for her.

As Eve searches for answers on her mom’s disappearance, the book flashes back from present to past excerpts of the book The Earring Killer.

I was sure I had the ending figured out, but I was very wrong! I was quite surprised at finding out who the killer was, but then even more shocked at who was helping!! Wow.
The middle was a bit slow for me and I found myself skimming some parts of it, but I was so engaged at the end and appreciated the twist.

Eve’s brother was so suspect, and then, of course, Mark was. Their characters keep me on my feet. I knew the killer had to be someone close to the family but I really didn’t expect it to be who it was, especially since there’s kids involved.

This was a really fun thriller. I loved the tapes aspect of the story. Very good!

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

I felt an instant connection to Eve, the main character, as I’ve recently lost my father too. Her grief and resilience hit me on a whole different level, especially with her mother having been missing for years. After losing her dad, Eve discovers tapes her mother recorded before she disappeared, chilling messages where she warns that if Eve is listening, she’s been murdered.

The emotions in those moments were palpable. When Eve heard her mother’s voice, it struck a chord with me, I recently found some old voicemails from my late father, and that flood of memories and feelings is overwhelming in the same way.

Eve is such a raw and relatable character, and after everything she’s endured, I was rooting so hard for her to find peace and a happy ending with her daughter. I also loved Faith, her fierce protectiveness over her mum reminded me of the little role reversal moments I’ve had with my own mum, which felt so real and touching.

The pacing is fantastic, keeping me glued to the pages as I tried to figure out the identity of the elusive “earring killer.” Alongside Eve, I suspected everyone at some point, eager to untangle the mystery. My heart was pounding as the tension built toward the ending, and the reveal completely blindsided me! Just as the blurb promises, I was up late racing through those final chapters.

If you’re a thriller lover who craves suspense, heart‑pounding twists, and a character you can truly root for, I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s a ride packed with tension, but also surprisingly full of raw, emotional moments that stay with you long after the last page.

Huge thanks to Bookouture, Kerry Wilkinson, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this early!

Note - I’ll be leaving a review on Amazon when possible, and if it releases on Kobo I’ll leave one there too. I’ll be posting the review to my Instagram account in the next few days!