Twisty good fun!

The Hill in Cheshire is an exclusive and wealthy neighborhood where nothing bad ever happens. But when someone starts breaking into houses, DS Leo Brady is suspicious that the burglar may be looking for something specific. Nearby in Wales, DC Ffion Morgan is investigating a female estate agent found dead in the lake. As the burglaries and mysterious death cases begin to collide, Ffion and Leo will have to delve deep into the carefully guarded secrets of the ultra rich community to find answers.

This is the third installment in the DC Morgan series but I read it as a stand alone with any problems.

The audio narration was fantastic performed by Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlings.

Thank you Netgalley, HighBridge Audio, and the author for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on September 16, 2025

The last part of this book is worth the wait! I loved how the unraveling was told in the last 15% by going 9 days back and offering multiple perspectives and thoughts about all the different people involved. I continued to be surprised by the revelations. dis not suspect “grandpa” at all or the romance con!

I also enjoyed the true crime podcast as a character in the story. This book can be read as a stand alone. Superb narration. Couldn’t put it down. This author really knows how to write and bring you right into that world. Would also recommend for fans of neighborhood dramas

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for my gifted copy, and thank you to Highbridge Audio for my gifted ALC!

Oh Ffion Morgan. How I love you.

For someone who claims they don’t like procedural thrillers, I sure do have an affinity for the detectives featured in them.

There is something so special about Ffion Morgan; something so lasting. I relate to her cynicism, her darkness, her baggage. But there is also this glimmer of hope behind her wall that also calls to me. It’s because of this character depth that I keep coming back. Well, that and Clare Mackintosh is one hell of a writer.

She was one of the first thriller writers I discovered when my reading tastes changed, and her crispy apple words set the stage and the standard for what I search for in a book.

If you’ve never met Ffion Morgan and her bumbling sidekick, Dave the Dog, please do. I also *highly* recommend the audiobooks. The accents, the access to the beautiful verbal art that is the Welsh language… it’s all transformative. It adds such a richness to an already stellar series, and even though I love hugging these books to my chest, I always make sure to listen to the audio, because it makes me feel closer to these brilliant characters. I hope Mackintosh blesses us with the next chapter soon.

Loved it. Just absolutely loved it.

I requested the audio arc of Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh and once I began listening, I knew I'd made a terrible mistake. I'm an American in Appalachia who has never traveled and the heavy brogue of the narration was absolutely insane. I knew I'd never make it through, but given this was an ARC, I stayed the course. By the end, during my TedTalk with my husband where he is forced to hear all about my finished book, I realized I was literally using the accent myself. I adapted. I lived inside the story. The narration by skilled artists Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins made this an immersive experience. Just excellent.

The story was great - a police procedural with decent, human characters who all seemed believable. Twists and turns that kept me listening. I will now be reading books 1 & 2, because I choose to. If you are like me, you could pick this third DC Morgan book up and listen without the first two. I loved DC Morgan so much, I want to get the full arc of her character.

I just finished listening to Other People’s Houses by Claire Macintosh. This was a very enjoyable listen. Pick it up!

“Other People’s Houses” is the 3rd entry in the DC Morgan series by Clare Mackintosh. This was my introduction to Ms. Mackintosh’s writing and this series. The book serves as a strong stand alone novel if you are new to the series. You can jump in immediately, no problem. Well, one problem. This book will make you want to go back and read the first two entries.

This mystery involves a suspicious kayak-related death and break-ins in a well to do neighborhood. One of the things I loved about this is that sometimes, the gut reaction of the lead characters can take them down the wrong path. That isn’t the norm in most mystery/thrillers. There are plenty of twists and turns that all make sense in the end. Not the shocking twists that you could never guess in a million years.

Not only are there mysteries to solve, but there are plenty of real-life issues to deal with, such as, broken marriages, parenting in those broken relationships, trying to fit in and belong, etc.

This book is well written. That’s all you can say about it. I listened to the audiobook, and it was a treasure. So, if you have a busy day, plug in some earbuds and give this book a listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

A series of break and enters in Cheshire and a woman found dead over the border in Wales. Who would want the estate agent dead and could they be connected?

This was my first in the DC Morgan series and now I feel like I have to read the rest. This is a really good police procedural with a mystery to solve and characters you care about. Ffion Morgan is a tough, no nonsense woman who is very good at her job. While a little on the prickly side, I found a lot to like in Ffion and the scenes between her and DS Brady’s ex-wife were at times hilarious and heartfelt.

If you like a good police procedural, Clare Mackintosh doesn’t disappoint. Thanksgiving you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Other People’s Houses is such a fun, twisty read. The mix of a glamorous neighborhood full of secrets and a murder with plenty of suspects made this so hard to put down. Mackintosh balances tension, wit, and great character dynamics perfectly. Definitely one of those thrillers where you’re guessing (and second guessing) everyone! It works great as part of the Ffion Morgan series, but you could easily jump in here without feeling lost.

Thank you Clare Mackintosh, Highbridge, Sourcebooks, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

#OtherPeoplesHouses #NetGalley #NetGalleyARC #ARCReview #BookReview #WhatImReading #BookRecommendation #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #InstaBook #Bookish #AdvanceReaderCopy #ReviewCopyProvided

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HighbridgeAudio for the book #OtherPeoplesHouses by #ClaireMackintosh. I enjoyed this book with secrets, snobs and murder all tied up in a nice bow. In the ritzy neighborhood of The Hills, houses are getting broken into and it seems they are looking for something particular. DS Brady is on this case and his girlfriend, DC Morgan is on a different case where a real estate agent has been found dead in a lake. Can they both solve their cases and maintain their relationship?

You say you’re tired of the billionaires running the world? Sick of the rich having everything, while you have little or nothing? And do I have the book for you. Homes are being broken into in the wealthiest enclaves in the town in Wales. And rich people don’t like to have their lives disordered, or their secrets exposed. Bring a feisty female detective to play the reluctant hero for the filthy rich. A cathartic mystery for the other 99%.

Other People’s Houses is an addictive, twist-filled thriller that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. Set against the glittering backdrop of Cheshire luxury, the novel brilliantly contrasts wealth and privilege with the dark secrets lurking just beneath the surface. The break-ins, the shocking murder, and the intertwining investigations create a perfectly layered mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Renowned British bestselling author and former police officer, beloved by readers everywhere (favorite author), is back with the third installment of her captivating DC Morgan series—OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES.

Brace yourself for an electrifying murder mystery that will leave you breathless, featuring a jaw-dropping double twist that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

In a world where envy lurks behind closed doors, you find yourself desiring the lives of others. But at what cost will you chase their shadows?

About...

In the picturesque landscapes of Wales, a brutal murder unfolds, triggering a chilling cascade of events that links the heinous crime to a series of increasingly perilous robberies in an affluent British neighborhood just across the border.

The Hill is a luxurious enclave, exclusive and enviably secure, where every resident dreams of their place behind its pristine gates. However, the illusion of safety shatters when a spate of break-ins leaves the community reeling in fear.

Detective Sergeant Leo Brady is convinced that the intruder's motives extend far beyond mere theft; there is something—or perhaps someone—specific that he is searching for amidst the chaos.

Meanwhile, in Wales, Detective Constable Ffion Morgan finds herself grappling with her own set of challenges as she pulls the lifeless body of an estate agent from the murky depths of a lake. Despite her lack of sympathy for the profession, she soon realizes that there was a sinister intention behind this agent's untimely demise—someone wanted this individual DEAD.

As Ffion and Leo's paths intertwine, their investigations lead them deeper into a web of secrets, revealing just how far people are willing to go to keep their darkest truths hidden behind closed doors.

Adding to the mystery is a ten-year-old cold case involving a married couple who were brutally murdered in their own home, which has become the focus of a riveting podcast, #WithoutConviction, now captivating listeners in its fourth season. As the threads of the past and present weave together, the detectives find themselves racing against time to uncover the chilling connections that bind these tragedies.

My reflections...

For those who have delved into The Last Party and A Game of Lies, prepare to be utterly captivated by the third installment, OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES. This latest entry invites you back into the vibrant world of familiar characters, offering a delightful mix of intrigue and humor that makes it nearly impossible to put down. While it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the entire series to appreciate the rich tapestry woven throughout these narratives fully.

Thus far, this installment is my favorite of the series. Readers will soon discover that even in the most coveted neighborhoods, a hidden darkness lurks beneath the surface. Fans will revel in the dynamic interplay between DC Ffion Morgan—sharp-witted, hilariously flawed, and full of depth—and DS Leo Brady, whose complicated relationship with his ruthless ex-wife, Alice, is as tumultuous as it is relatable. The supporting cast, brimming with personality and complexity, adds further richness to the storytelling. Don't forget Dave the dog!

In this thrilling journey, readers are treated to three compelling cases, each filled with unexpected twists and turns that promise to keep you engaged and entertained. Additionally, there's a fascinating glimpse into the world of realtors (or estate agents) alongside social media musings from followers of the podcast #WithoutConviction, who engage in tantalizing speculation about the cold case, ensuring the atmosphere remains charged with scandal and excitement.

Stay tuned, for more secrets are waiting to be uncovered, and Ffion is equipped to uncover them. One can only hope this series continues to unfold, as it has much more to reveal.

As always, Mackintosh showcases her profound expertise in police procedures and the realms of crime fiction. With her masterful command of atmospheric mystery, sharp dark humor, and high-stakes investigations, she crafts a narrative that builds suspense and culminates in her signature twisty endings. Fans are going to love this ending!

This is truly a must-read! If you haven't yet experienced the brilliance of this author, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this series, along with her impressive backlist. You won't be disappointed!

Audiobook...

I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in both the written pages and the captivating audiobook of this book. Narrated by a remarkable ensemble of talents—Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins —each voice brought a unique flair that truly transformed the narrative. Their outstanding performances infused the story with vibrant energy, capturing the essence of each character’s voice, tone, and emotional depth. With impeccable pacing and palpable suspense, they breathed life into the characters, creating an engaging auditory journey that kept me riveted from start to finish.

Recs ...

For those who have followed the captivating journey of this author and the series, as well as readers who appreciate the suspenseful and emotionally charged storytelling of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena, Michael Robotham, and B.A. Paris, OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES promises to be a thrilling and engaging read. It weaves intricate narratives that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that lie behind closed doors, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good psychological drama.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a stunning hardcover and digital copy via NetGalley for my honest thoughts. #CoverLove I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sep 16, 2925
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Great for fans of the quirky suburbia, rich people behaving badly, and romance scam tropes.

Premise - DS Leo Brady investigates a string of break-ins in the exclusive, high end community, The Hill. Over the border in Wales, DS Ffion Morgan investigates the murder of an estate agent. The cases collide in a mess of posh people's secrets and coverups.

It's book 3 of DC Morgan, but I haven't read the other two and had no problem slotting into these characters' world. The world is vividly realized and full of complicated, human characters,, making it easy to fall headfirst into this one!

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Joe Eyre, Chloe Angharad Davies, and Penelope Rawlins. The full cast read was easy to get lost in, they did a great job!

Thanks, NetGalley and Highbridge Audio, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this witty who done it. I haven’t read the books before this series (I didn’t realize it was one…whoops), but I didn’t feel left out or confused.
Might just pick up the ones I missed.
Mackintosh created quite the scene for a robbery gone wrong that’s somehow connects to a 10 year old unsolved murder. I am totally here for it. Loved the audio book. Loved the detectives. I mean, if you’re looking for a legit mystery with some drama and without all the gore, this is your read.
Thank you netgalley for the arc!

The more I read this series the more I begin to love the characters especially the flatulent dog. Hoping for another installment in this series. Can’t wait to see them develop with the reveal at the ending of this book.

This was my favorite book on in the DC Morgan series so far. They have all kept me on my toes and guessing, but something about this one had me deeply invested start to finish. I was invested in Ffion’s case, Leo’s case, the cold case, and Ffion and Leo’s relationship. I also enjoyed seeing Ffion and George form a deeper bond on the job as well.

The whole cast of characters this time around kept me on a merry-go-round of trying to figure out their motivations, decide who was the least shady, decide who could *maybe* be trusted slightly, and wonder who couldn’t be trusted at all. The way everything came together was so well done and I didn’t see the answers coming, but not in a “that didn’t make any sense” way. Rather, it was a well-crafted tangle of cases that was able to be solved once the right clues were presented.

Allie was such a divisive character for me personally. She was infuriating but I also felt so much pity for her. One minute I was raging in my mind at her words and actions, and then the next page I would find myself feeling sorry for her and understanding her deep desire to belong. She was sure something.

I really appreciated the Welsh pronunciation guide at the beginning of the book, but I was still deeply grateful to have the audiobook alongside the ebook copy. Even with my best attempts, I know I would’ve still been pronouncing words incorrectly. I just really enjoying hearing words the way they’re meant to be said. I was impressed overall with the narrators and their performances.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC and Highbridge Audio for the ALC, both via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

This book was good but not great.