Eve's mother disappeared many years ago. When her father dies she finds some cassette tapes with her mother's handwriting and listens. She hears her mother's voice telling her that if she went missing it was because she had been murdered. And, in a town where a serial killer operated, she takes his seriously.

The set up is a good one. Eve investigates and finds her mother claims to have know who the killer is. But she doesn't give the name. Eve has little to go on apart from her imagination, and she seems to suspect everyone she knows.

The novel is interspersed with chapters of a true crime book written about the serial killer. This slows the narrative, although does provide back story. But they are just there - it would have made more sense if Eve had read the book seeking answers. And the resolution to the story is rather clumsy.

Overall this is a readable, if frustrating, novel that feels as if it could have made more of a very promising beginning.

I was really intrigued by the synopsis for this book. The premise sounded intriguing and had lots of promise. Unfortunately, The Tapes just fell short for me. It wasn't great but wasn't terrible. It was just kind of lackluster and meh. The big reveal seemed rushed and there wasn't a whole lot of depth to the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was very intrigued by this premise and was excited for the inclusion of the cassette tapes to help with the mystery of the story but I think it fell a bit flat. I think the tapes were an underutilized part of the story. At the beginning it was a bit confusing to follow, not in the normal thriller sense where they use red herrings, but in a a sense a lot of the information wasn’t sticking to form a strong plot line. I did like the main characters tone and her internal dialogue was funny. I think that there were points that the red herrings could be stronger, for example when we were pushed to believe one person was the killer it felt a bit random. In regard to the actual killer I did guess who it was but I wish we had more rationale as to why and insight on their reasoning. It was a bit lackluster when it was all revealed. I also feel like there were some story points that weren’t tied up or connected back to the story. Overall I was intrigued by this and was curious how things would pan out but it wasn’t as gripping as I thought it would be!

DNF @ 34%

There is so much jumping around in this book and so many side characters I'm having a hard time keeping track. And so far there's hardly anything about the tapes.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I have enjoyed previous books by Kerry Wilkinson, and this was an engaging, unpredictable read. The plot was interested, and the twists kept coming, although like with many books of this genre, the main character made some interesting decisions.

This is another cracking domestic thriller by Kerry Wilkinson. It comes packed with twists, and I found that I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. I’d recommend to anyone who likes this genre or author.

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

***
After Eve’s father dies, she takes on the task of clearing his house. Whilst doing so, she stumbles across a box of old cassette tapes and a player. Pressing play on the tape, Eve hears her mother's voice, predicting her own murder.

With the tapes in hand, Eve sets out on an investigation to discover what happened to her mother—and who is responsible.
***

The opening chapter of this book did an excellent job of sucking me in. I read this in one sitting! I really liked how the cassette tapes added a unique way to spark the investigation and subsequent plot.

Eve, the main character, had an in-depth backstory that added a layer of intrigue to her perspective. I thought her actions throughout the book were quite realistic and relatable. She is a strong character, and I like how assured she is in herself despite the obstacles she faces.

Throughout the book, I often thought I knew exactly what was going on and who was to blame. Every time I was wrong. I absolutely loved the twists and turns that had me second-guessing myself every chapter. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.

We all have things that haunt us - experiences, regrets, etc. - but what about hearing your mom’s voice on an old tape you discovered hidden 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.”

A refreshingly unique plot told by a gifted storyteller, The Tapes builds slow, escalating anxiety as the main character attempts to find out if her mom was murdered and by whom.

I was caught up in a compelling read where I waded through decades of lies and secrets and tried to make sense of family and neighbourhood dynamics right alongside the protagonist. Did Eve’s mom really disappear 13 years ago?

If you love puzzling plots, twists and a pacey murder mystery, this one’s for you!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Whilst clearing her father’s house after his death, Eve discovers a box of old cassette tapes. Her unreliable mother, declared missing 13 years ago, used them to keep an audio diary and to leave a message for her daughter. This intriguing story opening launches Eve into a desperate hunt to discover her mother’s fate. Was she a victim of the Earring Killer and was she telling the truth when she claimed to know his identity? ‘The Tapes’ is a well structured murder mystery that cranks up the tension as it builds to a shocking conclusion. Kerry Wilkinson not only manipulates the plot expertly, but he creates a cast of very believable characters. Eve in particular is well written and her search for the truth forces her to confront her own personal demons and insecurities along the way.

This book is different than what I usually read. It picks up speed around the middle of the book. Just stick with it it will pick up pace.

First off, big thanks to NetGalley for kindly providing me with an advanced reader copy of The Tapes!

This book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I was never bored or tempted to put it down, which is always a huge plus for me. The pacing felt solid, the atmosphere was well done, and I found myself genuinely curious to see how everything would unfold. Also—major points for the fact that I couldn’t guess the ending! I really appreciate a mystery that doesn’t make things too obvious.

That said, I did find the main character a bit frustrating at times. She just seemed… bad at connecting clues? Like she kept spiraling into random theories and accusing people left and right, and the actual killer kind of flew under the radar—not because they were super well-hidden, but more because they just weren’t really focused on at all. It felt a bit like the narrative deliberately steered us away from them, so there wasn’t a real chance for the reader to put the pieces together.

Still, the characters were interesting and multilayered, especially the protagonist. She felt original and real, even when her detective instincts were kind of questionable.

All in all, The Tapes was an enjoyable read. While I wish the mystery had been constructed in a way that let me connect the dots more naturally, I still walked away feeling satisfied with the story and the ending. A solid, engaging read.

3.75 ⭐️

Cassette Tapes-Remember those?! What a throw back!! This nostalgic relapse is what grabbed my attention and had me wanting to read “The Tapes”. In addition to the 80’s nostalgia, the overall premise of this book was intriguing.

While Eve was clearing out her late father’s house she discovered an old cassette player along with a box labeled “The Tapes”-part nostalgic artifact, part Pandora’s box. Among them was a tape addressed specifically to her, in her mother Angela’s handwriting — a woman who vanished more than a decade ago. Eve embarked on a harrowing investigation. Each recording peeled back layers of Angela’s hidden life. As Eve dived deeper, she unearthed unsettling truths that put her own safety at risk.

“The Tapes” was the first book I’ve read by Kerry Wilkinson. Prior to reading it, I didn’t have any expectations other than hoping to have found a “new-to
-me” author. And, that was exactly what this book accomplished. I enjoyed Wilkinson’s clean, observational, quietly unsettling writing style. I equally liked its layered and introspective dialogue. Even more, I liked how his prose explored how the past haunted the present. All these aspects enriched the character depth and the suspense across the timelines while it examined the unreliability of memory, guilt and buried truths.

In regard to his newest publication “The Tapes”, the structure was unique because it followed an unconventional format. The story unfolded partially through transcripts, recordings, and fragmented documents. I liked this approach because it added to the true crime aspect which had me more immersed in the mystery.

On the flip side, the pacing was partially inconsistent. The story started out strong. It was captivating and had me engaged. However, about a third of the way in, I became bored with the mundane dialogue. And then out of no where, I became re-engaged and didn’t want to put the books down.

Altogether this was an entertaining and intriguing story. “The Tapes” is a good read for those that love domestic mystery thrillers with unconventional formats and a splash of 80’s nostalgia.

Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“Some truths are better left buried. Others are recorded.”

An exciting psychological thriller with a UNIQUE and clever premise and storyline. Read closely, there are clues!

Kerry Wilkinson’s The Tapes is a taut, slow-burn psychological thriller that unspools like a forgotten VHS tape—grainy at first, but increasingly vivid and unsettling as the story plays out. With a premise that feels both nostalgic and chillingly modern, Wilkinson delivers a compulsively readable mystery that probes the fragility of memory, the weight of secrets, and the danger of digging too deep into the past.

🎥 Premise:
When Eve stumbles upon a box of old cassette tapes in her late father’s attic, she doesn’t expect them to contain a mystery. But as she listens, a voice from decades ago reveals a murder—one that was never solved, and one that may be closer to home than she ever imagined. What begins as a curiosity quickly spirals into an obsession, as Eve's investigation threatens to unravel not only her family’s history but her own sense of identity.

🧠 What Makes It Stand Out:

- Narrative Structure:

Wilkinson masterfully weaves past and present through the medium of the tapes. The dual timelines are handled with precision, each revelation on the tapes echoing into Lucy’s present-day investigation. The result is a layered narrative that feels like peeling wallpaper—each layer more disturbing than the last.

- Character Depth:

Eve is not your typical thriller protagonist. She’s flawed, skeptical, and emotionally raw. Her grief over her father’s death is palpable, and her journalistic instincts are both her strength and her undoing. Wilkinson resists the urge to make her a heroine; instead, he makes her human.

- Atmosphere & Tone:

There’s a quiet dread that permeates the novel. The setting—small-town England with its damp secrets and faded facades—feels like a character in itself. The tapes, with their analog hiss and crackle, add a tactile eeriness that digital-age thrillers often lack.

- Themes:

The Tapes explores the unreliability of memory, the ethics of journalism, and the corrosive power of secrets. It asks: What happens when the truth is not just inconvenient, but dangerous?

Minor quibble that knocked a star off my rating.

Mystery fans, or just everyone these days, know all about partial prints, what a kleptomaniac is, gun indicators, etc. This is also the age of the internet, author should avoid "talking down" (or rather "writing down") to the reader. 😉


🕵️‍♀️ Final Thoughts:
The Tapes doesn’t rely on cheap twists or shock value. Instead, it builds its tension slowly, like a tape spooling toward its final, devastating revelation. It’s a psychological thriller that respects its reader’s intelligence, rewarding patience with an imaginative payoff.

Recommended for fans of:
Ruth Ware, Tana French, and anyone who’s ever found an old tape and wondered what secrets it might hold.

A quick read that makes you want to keep reading and discover the truth behind the tapes. I didn't connect with Eve on emotional level but still enjoyed the chase for answers.

⚠️ The Tapes; My Book Review! ⚠️

The Tapes,

Written By

Kerry Wilkinson,

★★★★★

Blub;

‘If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.’

Eve is clearing 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’ – in her mother, Angela’s, scrawled handwriting. She disappeared for good more than ten years ago.

The tape whirrs. A voice crackles. ‘My name is Angela’. Tears fill Eve’s eyes at the familiar voice, at the thought this message is just for her. But the next words make her heart pound.

‘If they say I’m missing, I’m not. If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered.’

Desperate for answers, Eve has no one left to ask – only a box of tapes that could lead to the truth. But the more she listens, the more she realises she can never go to the police…

Because Eve’s mother had her own secrets. But what if her killer is still out there? And what if Eve is next?

★★★★★

My Review

I really enjoyed reading this book. Prior to reading it I have read previous titles written by this author; specifically the Jessica Daniel series, - which I loved!, - & a couple of other stand alone titles, & so I am familiar with, & in favour of, this authors' style of writing, which I would say is a very much enjoyable read, & a fairly easy-read, - again, which is enjoyable.

It drew me in from the very beginning, & I really liked the plot, & the main character, Eve, came across as authentic & likable. It was very much a 'whodunnit', - which kept me on the edge of my seat at times, & I couldn't (& 'wouldn't!) have guessed, - so it kept me guessing right through to the very end!

Out of a rating of 1-10, where 10 is tbe highest, I'd give this a rating of 8. Overall it was an enjoyable & edge-of-seat read, & I would deffo highly recommend!

This title will be available to both purchased & download on 11th August!

=

#COMINGSOON‼️

The premise of this book was really good. However, once the author kept repeating the original tape from Eve's mom, i just got annoyed and moved ahead. At that point, I just skimmed and then went to the back to see who the killer was. I feel like it could have been better. Not enough suspense for me to want to read it all. But overall, it wasn't bad. Just slow for me.

Wow! Another brilliant book by Kerry Wilkinson, this one really kept me turning the pages and guessing until the very end. Lots of shocking twists and turns. Fantastic, I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC. 

The hook of this book was great and pulled me in immediately: "if you're listening to this, I've been murdered" 

Unfortunately the rest of the book didn't work as well for me. It was supposed to be a book in a book format, but it didn't super make sense to have those inner book chapters in there when the MC never even read that book. 

They also broke up the action at the worst moment sometimes, which is not great in a thriller. I'm not sure I would have missed a single thing if I didn't read those chapters. 

We were also left with a lot of plot holes and unanswered questions at the end. 

The main character made some really stupid decisions even though she seemed generally smart which is always annoying. 

I did enjoy the overall story and the characters were well established. 

There was definitely a twist at the end that I didn't see coming. To me it felt a little silly and unearned, but I bet some people will enjoy it. Definitely not one of those twist where you look back and see all the signs pointing to it. 

Overall not a bad way to pass a day, but don't expect something extraordinary.

I've read several books by this author and loved them all, so I had high hopes for his newest release.

The cover of this book, a cassette tape, really drew me in. Cassette tapes have become a thing of the past, and I can't imagine what I'd do if I came across the box of tapes that Eve found in her father's garage. The storyline was definitely unique and grabbed my attention.

There were a couple of times when I thought I had it all figured out, only to find out that I was wrong. There were several questionable characters that led to me constantly second guessing my predictions, much like Eve did.

Of all of this author's books that I've read, this one is definitely my favorite! BRAVO!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

A super book from start to finish. Eve is packing up her recently deceased father’s home when she stumbles across a box of old tape recordings from her Mum. Eve’s mum, Angela, went missing 13yrs ago around the same time a notorious serial killer was on the hunt in her home town. As Eve listens to the tapes, her mum makes a shocking revelation. Can Eve solve the mystery of who The Earring Killer is? But Eve is struggling to be taken seriously given her own past. And could she be held responsible for the fallout of her enquiries? A grooming page turner. Highly recommend. Huge thanks to the publisher & author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.