I loved this book! I was gripped from the first page. We are catapulted into Eve's desperate search for answers after her mother vanished 13 years ago amidst her town being terrorised by a serial killer.
Was her mum a victim, or something more? Did she leave clues behind?
The narrative takes us in all different directions, creating a complex web of clues and red herrings that will have you second-guessing every character. Eve’s relentless pursuit of the truth unearths buried secrets, each revelation more shocking than the last. The pace is fast, with twists and turns everywhere.
The ending comes as a shock and all loose ends are tied up as neatly as a bow on a gift box of earrings.

The concept of this book was such a great idea. This had me hooked right from the beginning with Eve finding tapes with her mother’s voice recordings. It had a twist at the end of every chapter, and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t figure out who the serial killer was, but I had some ideas. I questioned every character. However, I was still VERY surprised at the end. It was so easy to read and it kept me entertained.
This comes out August 11th and I cannot wait to get the physical copy.

The Tapes took me a little bit to get invested into but then I felt that I started to really get engaged. The story follows Eve who is looking through her dad’s things and finds a tape of recording of her mom voice that says that she has been murdered. (No spoilers this is on the cover and it very early on) Eve to me was a really good character who was smart throughout and started to put pieces together. I really enjoyed the way this story developed and went into a different and deeper twist that’s bigger than just Eve’s mum. I also kept guessing as there are multiple characters that you think could fit the profile of what you are looking for but I truly didn’t see the end coming. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is loves to read a good thriller with twists. Thank you so much for and earc of The Tapes Bookouture. This was my first book by Kerry Wilkinson but won’t be the last.

I used to put scotch tape over the two holes on top of a cassette tape when I was young so I could record songs off the radio. I would call in to make a song request, and then I would listen for hours waiting on the right moment to hit play. Simpler times. IYKYK

Anyway, this book made me think of that because the tapes play such an integral role (which isn’t shocking given the title). In fact, they were probably the best part, and I wish that they paid off more than they did. I kept thinking the whole time “why doesn’t she just say who the killer is!!??”. But I guess that wouldn’t make for much of a mystery now, would it? It does require a little belief to be suspended though, and if you can do that there is an enjoyable book here. It kept my fingers turning the page and me guessing on the twist. Sometimes that’s all you need from a thriller.

Wow. Just, wow. This is unlike any other thriller book I have ever read. It’s more of a slow burn thriller but still extremely captivating. Each chapter ends in such a way that makes you want to read the next one. And the next. And the next

The book is mostly from Eve’s POV, who I found to be an extremely relatable character. Every few chapters, there would be extracts from a book, which provided another POV for the readers. The book within a book aspect added an extra layer of mystery and clues for the reader to pick apart. I love how the two POVs intertwined throughout the book.

I could not put this book down. Each new revelation or twist made me want to keep reading to find some answers. I became suspicious of so many characters and had many theories, but I was still wrong 😅

This is the first book of Kerry Wilkinson that I have read and I guarantee it won’t be the last 👀

Thank you so much Kerry Wilkinson, NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to ARC review this book!

This was pretty good but a little slow paced for me. I liked how it was unfolding as she was finding more and more information out about her mom but there were so many side characters and side quests that it felt like it dragged a bit. The ex husband and the daughter had almost no part in the plot but were mentioned and conversed with a lot. Overall, it was decent.

The Tapes is one of those rare thrillers that grabs you from the very first chapter and refuses to let go. Addicting and atmospheric, it weaves a chilling mystery that builds in layers—each chapter deepening the sense of unease and curiosity until you’re utterly consumed by the need to know the truth.

It is a smart, tightly written psychological thriller that balances plot-driven urgency with character depth. I couldn’t put it down, and even after finishing, I find myself thinking about it—replaying the story in my head like one of the tapes themselves. Highly recommended for fans of twisty mysteries, unreliable narratives, and strong female leads.

I enjoyed this one! I was really intrigued by the whole idea of the tapes and a serial killer that’s right up my alley. I think the tapes and the gun with the missing mothers fingerprints were great additions to the story and brought the suspense!

Thank you NetGalley! I loved this book! I can’t remember if I’ve read anything by this author before but I certainly will read more of their works now. It instantly drew me into the story from the first chapter. As I read, I just had to know what happened. I liked the excerpts from the various victims of the killer featured in The Tapes

How have I never heard of this author before!? Kerry Wilkinson is an author you will want to remember if you are a reader of psychological thrillers and love twists and shocking moments you didn't see coming in thrillers.

That is everything in this book "The Tapes" right from the first page to the end of the book was non stop "gotta find out what happens next"

I've been in such a reading slump lately and have found it extremely difficult to not dnf the books I'm reading, I just haven't found a book capable of keeping my attention, keeping me from being bored with what I'm reading. I honestly expected to do the same with this book, especially since I had never heard of this author before.

Not only did this book grab my attention and keep it until the very end, I devoured this book and now I'm intrigued by this new to me author and I want more.

I'm pretty sure I just found a new favorite author, thank you netgalley if it wasn't for you I may never have discovered this amazing author!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3.75 / 5 STARS
(rounded up to 4)

i'll admit, i was drawn to read this by the blurb & the line -- "if you're listening to this, i've been murdered." that got my attention IMMEDIATELY. this was a very well-written, slow-burn mystery/thriller that starts strong. i mean, you're already in the midst of the story from the first chapter. this is one of the ones that really builds to the mystery and *SMACKS* you in the face at the revelation.

i appreciated how the author created levels to the story from the main character's POV, to the cassette tapes, to the book-within-the-book excerpts about the "Earring Killer". it kept me thinking, wondering, guessing. there was also an emotional element here that you don't often find in mystery/thrillers, which was a surprising-but-nice touch.

while i thoroughly enjoyed this one, i did feel some chapters almost halt in the pacing. like it took a step or two backwards and then picks up again. the flow just wasn't consistent. while the revelation was done really well, i felt that it also wrapped up the end too fast. doesn't take away from the story though.

would i recommend this? YES. big yes! i could see this being a great read for a book club. there are so many great discussions that could be had here. i'll most likely be throwing this in for a future book club book.

thank you to Bookouture for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC via NetGalley. i leave this review voluntarily. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was there, the twist was there, and the mystery was there. I enjoyed the snippets of the book within the book to break up the story. Made it more memorable. If you enjoy a good suspense book with lots of sad undertones read this. It’s sad, but necessarily sad in a way that makes the book better.

Was given the chance to review this book early thanks to NetGalley. So, thank you..

I’d like to start off by saying that I like how the whole
book was written in the format of the current story of Eve and the finding of her mum’s tapes, and a glimpse of an actual book written by Vivian about the many women that were murdered. It was easy to follow and provided more context about the serial killer and the victims.

Chapter 1 instantly drew me in with a great hook, “If they say I’m missing, I’m not. I’ve been killed” - Angela

However, I do think that it was too repetitive in pushing the idea of Eve being an alcoholic, hence she’s not a reliable narrator.

I do appreciate the twist at the end when the serial murderer was caught and the relationship with one of the victims.

All in all, pleasant read but nothing to write home about.

This book felt very middle ground to me. It wasn’t awful but it also wasn’t an amazing read. It’s fairly straight forward with a few red herrings that don’t quite have the misleading impact I think was intended. I unfortunately think 75% of the book could be cut out and you’d still end up with essentially the same story and not miss much of the plot. I did appreciate that once the whodunit was solved the rest of the book wrapped up fairly quickly but it did then leave a feeling of a rushed ending.

Overall this book is very middle of the road for the thriller genre. It’s a shorter and easier read, and I’d liken it to a lifetime movie which is enjoyable from time to time.

Twists and turns the entire time. I read this in one sitting because I just had to know!!! Thrilling to the very end!

Name :- The Tapes
Author :- Kerry Wilkinson
Genre :- Psychological Thriller
When Eve discovers a box of cassette tapes while cleaning out her late father’s house, she’s unprepared for what’s waiting inside—especially a tape addressed to her, recorded by her mother, Angela, who vanished more than a decade ago. What starts as a bittersweet moment of connection quickly turns sinister as Angela’s voice warns her that she’s been murdered.

From that moment on, Eve is pulled into a chilling web of lies, betrayal, and hidden pasts. But as each tape unspools more secrets, Eve realizes that her mother had a dark side—and someone out there may be willing to kill again to keep the truth hidden.
Likes and Dislikes :-
Likes:-
1 Unique concept: The use of cassette tapes as a storytelling device adds intimacy and eerie nostalgia.
2 Emotional depth: Eve’s grief, confusion, and determination feel raw and authentic.
3 Steady suspense: The pacing is taut, keeping readers guessing about who can be trusted—and who might be dangerous.
Dislikes:-
1 A few twists feel familiar if you’ve read many domestic thrillers.
2 Some characters could use more complexity, especially secondary figures from Angela’s past.
Overall, Kerry Wilkinson’s The Tapes is a compelling slow-burn mystery packed with emotion, tension, and a powerful mother-daughter dynamic.
My Rating :- 4/5.

I loved the concept of this story, it was certainly gripping and entertaining. The main character finds tapes that her missing Mum has recorded, one of the tapes informs her ‘If you are listening to this, I’ve been murdered’ 😱😱…
There were moments when it felt like a slow read, but that didn’t take away too much for me. I did find it reallllly easy to guess who was behind it (but didn’t guess the other part of the twist 😱😂)

The authors writing style for me is 10/10 😀. So would 100% definitely recommend 💗💗.

We all carry ghosts from the past—memories, regrets, unresolved moments. But what if one of those ghosts came back in the form of your mother’s voice on an old cassette tape found in a shed?

“If they say I’m missing, I’m not. I’ve been killed – and I need you to know that I love you.”

Thirteen years after her mother Angela disappeared, Eve returns to her childhood home to pack up after her father’s death. While sorting through his belongings, she discovers a box of cassette tapes—all labeled in her mother’s handwriting. One stands out: instead of a date, it’s labeled with Eve’s name.

On the tape, Angela claims she’s about to be killed and wants Eve to know she loves her. But she also confesses to serious crimes—stealing a friend’s car, robbing a bank—though not everything adds up. Was her mother telling the truth, or fabricating more lies? Eve’s biggest question becomes: was the love real?

As Eve searches for answers, she also confronts a chilling serial killer case in her town involving “The Earring Killer.” The novel mixes mystery with excerpts from a true-crime book that help fill in the gaps.

I’ve read several of this author’s books, and while this one wasn’t my favorite, it still delivered a solid, twisty plot. Some reveals genuinely surprised me, and I did not see the ending coming. A good pick for crime and psychological thriller fans!

Thank you to Kerry Wilkinson, NetGalley and The Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kerry Wilkinson’s The Tapes is an unassuming psychological suspense novel that delivers more page turning tension than a host of thrillers by better known, and more highly promoted, authors.

The story revolves around a reasonably simple central premise before spinning off in unexpected directions. Eve is clearing out her father’s house when she finds an old cassette player and a box of tapes. Though grieving, she smiles at the spark of nostalgia. One tape is labelled ‘Eve’ and is written in her mother’s distinctive scrawl. Her mother has been missing for more than ten years, and Eve is keen to hear her voice again. However, when she starts to listen she is shocked to hear her mother’s opening message: ‘If they say I’m missing, I’m not. If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.’

Desperate for answers, Eve works her way through what is left of the tapes. Her mother’s past means that she cannot readily go to the police, and when another murder occurs Eve finds that she has to try and track down the killer herself.

The Tapes is a really enjoyable mystery that quickly draws you in and keeps you interested. It opens at a good pace and the interweaving of Eve’s point of view with extracts from a true crime book about a local serial killer works well, and helps to speed the story along. Eve is an engaging, and very believable character, who has her own problems and quirks but not to the detriment of the book’s pace. The other characters are also nicely sketched, especially Eve’s troublesome daughter.

The central story is intriguing and Kerry introduces enough quirks to the plot to keep it interesting. The storytelling is largely uncluttered and the book builds to a good, surprising revelation. There is perhaps one aspect of the plot that seems unlikely, around a gun, but otherwise I could not fault the story.

In all, The Tapes is a clever and engaging psychological suspense thriller that I ended up enjoying far more than I expected to.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I DNF’ed at 25%. The idea was so intriguing but the pacing takes a nosedive after the initial plot is presented. I lost momentum and didn’t see myself wanting to finish the book.