Member Reviews

DCI Adam Bishop is called do a body dump that opens a whole can of worms. Dr Romilly Cole thinks there is a link to an old serial killer case but will Adam listen before other people die.
Echo Man has been my favourite book of the year and this is a very close contender to knocking it off that spot. Sam is a queen at the twists and giving wtf moments! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

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This book reminded me a bit of Prodigal Son. Engaging from the get go! But that ending? I’m honestly a little annoyed I didn’t catch the first ending twist because it’s similar to my last manuscript. How did I not see that?! But the last twist? Not a chance you’ll see that coming!


Huge thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

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Are you a serial killer fan? Do you enjoy being on the edge of your seat? This is a book you'll want to read then!

I want to start off by saying there was A LOT going on in this book as it’s 76 chapters, but it was SO good. It was full of plot twists that you didn’t see coming. The writing of the book was incredible and the plot had a good flow to it. I really enjoyed the different POVs and the flashbacks—it added more suspense and really built up the plot.

I will say that there were some parts included that didn’t play a huge part in the plot that I felt the author could have maybe left out. With it being so long, sometimes it was a little hard to follow/remember what happened at certain parts but overall I highly recommend this book. It’s not a quick read by any means, but it was very enjoyable. I didn’t want to put it down and it kept me guessing the whole time. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but everytime, boy was I wrong! And I truly thought I had the whole thing figured out, but I was not even close! And the ending??!! 🤯🤯🤯Add this book to your TBR—you’ll want to have this one on your shelf!

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Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Twenty. This is nonstop scary and frightening. This is not a typical police procedure novel. This is realistic, powerful, and provoking.
There’s a serial killer out there The clues point to a sadistic mind and Adam Bishop, a flawed but good detective is determined to solve this case. But soon things change and there are more murders. But when Adam becomes affected by the deaths, it seems personal.
This book is not for the weak of heart. It is graphic and haunting.
One of my favorites so far this year. 5 stars. This is really good!

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Wow. This was phenomenal story and I enjoyed every second. Read. This. Book! You won’t want to miss this!

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Solid tale from Holland about the hunt for a serial killer obsessed somehow with the number twenty. Characters from Holland's first, The Echo Man, make an appearance as detectives race to find the connection between these killings and the murders committed years ago by a doctor whose daughter was once married to the lead detective on the case. A bit derivative at times, and not quite as good as The Echo Man, but still well-written, gripping and entertaining when it needs to be. A twisty and violent finish brings everything to a head. As far as serial killer books go, it's better than most. I'll definitely read more by Holland. 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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3 stars

DS Jamie Hoxton is the only redeemable character in the entire book.

For me, this book was full of arguing ex’es, suspicious characters and too much drama. What could have been a brilliant police procedural was overshadowed by personal tension and a parody of bad acting. The novel also contains much gore and violence.

Not for me, I’m afraid.

While I read the novel, I can’t honestly recommend it to friends of mine.

I want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

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Just when I thought we’d satisfactorily wrapped up the story , another mind-blowing twist took me by total surprise.

I thoroughly enjoyed this (rather gruesome in parts) serial killer thriller. From the tantalising opening scenes through to the double-whammy conclusion I was totally gripped and tore through the book at a rate of knots. Flawed, memorable and mostly sympathetic characters kept me totally entertained throughout, and I think this may well be one of the thrillers of the year.

Highly recommended.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

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The Twenty is chilling mystery that kept me engaged from the first page. A book that takes off and maintains this level of fictional anxiety is a winner in my book.

DI Adam Bishop arrives at a murder scene. In fact, there are several as time goes on. Each body has a number, leading to the conclusion this is a serial killer with a plan.

Dr. Cole arrives, who worked on a similar murder spree 15 years prior. He tells Bishop the details and the two connect this frightening fact. (It just can't be a coincidence.)

Bishop digs deep to discover the killer even as the numbered bodies continue. Of course the investigation grows to include him as a target.

The characters are well written and full bodied. The atmosphere is creepy and lends itself to the mystery. The plot is good and I didn't figure out the killer until the end - a trait I enjoyed.

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Sensational novel - brilliant writing and brilliant story. Gripping from beginning to end and impossible to put down. Sam Holland has continued his heart-stopping writing and this story leaves you gasping for breath as it builds and builds and then concludes in an electrifying finale. Accolades to Sam Holland for a five-star read.

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Wow! That was kind of a messed up book! Lol geez what a read! This book had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, serial killers, great police work and a few who done it! The storyline was just crazy but also very interesting! It definitely had me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Its a bit gruesome, bloody, and sadistic! But its well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

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Sr. Romilly Cole has bad news for DI Adam Bishop; the horrific crime scene he’s just left is only the beginning of a murderous crime spree. She has evidence that links Bishop’s murder to a spate of killings fifteen years earlier. Bishop, who was worried once he saw the numbers left in spray paint by the killer, numbers that indicate he’s counting down to something even worse/ Holland has taken the publishing world by storm, her first book was a wild ride into darkness and her newest thriller is even better. You MUST read Sam Holland

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Holland is my new favorite author!! Detective Adam Bishop is the lead investigator in a series of grisly murders that may be related to a serial killer from the past. The Twenty is intense, gory, and will definitely keep you guessing. I thought I had it figured out, but was way off - there are several twists, but they all align perfectly. There are references to The Echo Man (Detective Cara Elliott makes an appearance), but it's not necessary to read that one first (although it may give you more clarity when Bishop and Elliott are discussing the new cases).
I love the way Holland writes vulnerable, flawed characters and incorporates fully developed character backgrounds.
Highly recommend if you liked The Echo Man or Karin Slaughter books. Oh, and love the acknowledgement that Nate Griffin from The Echo Man will be back in an upcoming novel. Can't wait!!!

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Sam Holland’s The Twenty is a taut thriller with blood-curdling moments abound. The investigation story gives an edge-of-the-seat experience to it’s readers. It’s Jaw dropping. A hugely engaging ride that keeps on surprising you with it's amazing twists and turns. I was blown away.. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥

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Super dark and twisty....not for me. Struggled to finish, but I enjoyed the premise, just could do without the grisly scenes. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

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This is a book of mystery and intrigue with horror thrown in. Whew…deep and dark…mysterious…characters who are not simple…they are deep…they are also dark. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. I did not love this book, but others might.

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