A brilliant story this is absolutely gripping from start to end. This will keep you on the edge of your seat with some great surprises along the way.

I’d like to thank Canelo and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Unburied’ written by Heather Critchlow in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

While the police are investigating the disappearance of Cal Lovett’s sister Margot some thirty-six years ago, Cal and his girlfriend Shona spend a few days in the Scottish Highlands where he’s approached by Robbie Campbell whose mother Bryony was shot dead fourteen years ago and who recognises Cal for his true crime podcasts. Although he didn’t intend getting involved, Cal returns to help Robbie although it’s made very clear there are people in the community who don’t want him there snooping.

‘Unburied’ is the second instalment in the Cal Lovett Files and though I might have benefited by reading the first instalment I don’t feel at a disadvantage for not having done so. The dual timeline into Margot’s disappearance and Bryony’s death work very well and the characters are interesting and perfectly described. The story is fast-paced with drama, suspense and twists and turns, and I couldn’t help but get involved as both cases are unravelled and the truth revealed.

Amazing second book in the series! Wow!! What a ride!! That book kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the pace and the speed of the book, as well as the fact that Cal is doing podcasts on crimes that Are cold cases.

This is the second in the series. I think it probably needs to be read after the first rather than as a standalone. Cal Lovatt is a podcaster who looks into missing people. His back story is sad as his sister has been missing for over thirty years. He is therefore sympathetic to others in the same situation. He has a daughter Chrissie from his now defunct marriage and she proves to be a sounding board for his theories. Both books are set mostly in Scotland. The stories are well put together so I find myself in the ‘just one more chapter’ stage quite often. If you liked Only Murders in the Building you’ll like this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a prepublication ebook in return for an honest review.

Number 2 in the series, I very much liked the first book . Although this works well alone, it is an advantage to have read the first book , partly because you get to know the history of the main characters (and this is regularly referred to) and also because this book is based on an unusual premise, Cal, the main chracter, makes podcasts about (historical) crimes. His own life has also been affected by such a crime.
I, personally found the beginning few chapters of this book confusing, had I read it straightaway after the first book, I doubt I would have felt the same way, but I needed to get used to the characters again and there were a couple of crimes to get my head around as well. After the first part, though, I got into the story and had sorted out the narrators in my mind and I really enjoyed the fast pace and the plot . Plenty of descriptions of the Scottish village where most of the story is set and the emotions of Cal and others in the book (I don't want to give too much away) Now that I have finished, I can say hat I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was *so* good - I loved it so much I’ve gone back and read the first one too. The characters are well rounded and likeable - it is a lot formulaic once you’ve read one, the other follows a similar plot structure - but I throughly enjoyed it. I can’t wait for more Cal!

Unburied is the second book in the Cal Lovett series, I have not read the first book but I certainly want to go back and read it now. I read a lot of mysteries and I think this is a great one, and it works as a stand alone. Cal is a true-crime podcaster who is still trying to deal with the unsolved murder of his older sister's murder from 36 years ago.

While on a get away in the Scottish Highlands, Cal is accosted by a young man whose mother was found dead on their doorstep 14 years ago, Robbie desperately wants Cal to try to solve the murder. It becomes quickly apparent that someone doesn't want him snooping around. The question is who could gain from the murder of a young, rather depressed mother of two.

The mystery and how it is solved along with Cal's correspondence with police who are making headway in his sister's case is very interesting and surprising till the end. But, I am a character lover when it comes to my favorite reads and I truly enjoyed these characters and their relationships with Cal: Cal's girlfriend, Shona, his daughter Chrissie, even the give and take between him and his ex-wife.

Full disclosure, I traveled to the Highlands six months ago, so I really enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery and landscape. So, good mystery + great characters= can't wait for the 3rd book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Cal Lovett is a podcaster with a tragic backstory who investigates cold cases. As with his first outing in Unsolved, this new assignment takes him to the Scottish Highlands. This time, Robbie, the troubled son of a murder victim, asks him to investigate the shooting of his mother, Bryony, sixteen years earlier on the doorstep of their farmhouse. Cal is drawn to the case because he sees parallels between Robbie and himself. For thirty-six years, Cal has been mourning the loss of his big sister, Margot, who disappeared when she was nineteen. In this second novel, his backstory comes to the fore when her remains are found.
As with the first novel, the story is told from two perspectives. In this case, we are with Cal as he pursues his investigation into Bryony’s murder at the same time as dealing with the aftermath of his sister’s body being found, and we also see Bryony’s viewpoint in the months before her death. She is an achingly relatable character, trapped in a selfish marriage and deprived of her former (albeit unethical) career as a lawyer in Glasgow. She struggles with being a full-time mother because her husband doesn’t take his share of parenting duties, opportunities for childcare in the village are limited, and she doesn’t gel with the other school-gate mothers.
The first book in this series (Unsolved) was one of my favourite reads of 2023 and this second title (Unburied) is even better. I didn’t spot the culprit this time and the story caught me by surprise when it, quite literally, turned upside down. It’s my first read of the new year and I already expect it to appear on my Best Books list in December.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

Cal Lovett has devoted half of his life to narrating the stories of others on his true crime podcast. Now, as the police draw near to solving the mystery of his sister's disappearance, Cal anticipates the opportunity to finally share Margot's story with the world. However, a desperate plea from a relative plunges him into a new and chilling cold case during a holiday in the Scottish Highlands.

In this remote and wary community, Cal becomes entangled in an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago. Everywhere he goes, eyes follow him, and a clear message emerges: someone doesn't want him probing into the past.

As Cal delves deeper into the mystery, the boundaries between justice and danger blur. The question that looms large is how far he is willing to go to uncover the truth and whether that distance is far enough. The suspenseful narrative explores the lengths one man will journey in pursuit of justice and the inherent risks that come with it.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I gave this book a good go, but could not get into the writing style; I found myself having to reread parts and skim through others. Glad this book worked for others, just wasn’t a good book-fit for me.

Wow!! What a ride!! That book kept me guessing until the very end. I loved the pace and the speed of the book, as well as the fact that Cal is doing podcasts on crimes that happened a long time ago. The character of Bryony was very relatable, I mean we all experience moments in our lives as mothers where we feel overwhelmed, and I liked to understand her side of the story. All in all, that was a very good book, extremely gripping, and I can't wait to read more by this extremely talented author! Thank you so much!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an unbiased review.
I haven't read the first in this series and not convinced that it affected my enjoyment of this publication.
I did however enjoy this sufficiently that I've subsequently purchased the first book from Amazon.
Likeable main character who writes podcasts about old crimes and gets involved in investigating the fatal shooting of a young mother on her own front doorstep fourteen years previously but someone doesn't want him to succeed with his investigation. Decent twist in the latter part of the book that, I for one didn't see coming. A decent read and a solid four stars

Bam, Heather Critchlow has done it again. The second Cal Lovett book is every bit as atmospheric and captivating as the first, I was hooked. In 'Unburied', we find Cal continuing the search for the truth to what happened to his beloved sister Margot, who went missing decades earlier.

After getting involved in a gritty murder case and family dramas in the first book, crime podcaster Cal and his new partner Shona (love her!) are trying to keep a low profile on their trip to Scotland. But its not that easy and Cal quickly finds himself looking at a cold murder case of young mother Bryony, left on her doorstep over 20 years previously and discovered by her 5 year old son Robbie.

As in 'Unsolved, the pace is sharp, the story telling is magnificent, the characters are real and relatable and I was racing to the end to find out what had happened to Bryony and why.

Add this to your list of must read crime fiction for 2024!

"Unburied" by Heather Critchlow immerses readers in a gripping tale of mystery, cold cases, and the consequences of unearthing buried secrets. The story follows Cal Lovett, a true crime podcast host, whose life takes a turn when the police get closer to solving the disappearance of his sister, Margot. Now, Cal finds himself entangled in another mystery, a cold case murder that has haunted a family for fourteen years.

The strength of "Unburied" lies in its skilful blend of suspense and atmospheric storytelling. Critchlow sets the stage in the Scottish Highlands, creating an evocative backdrop that enhances the sense of isolation and intrigue. The theme of a small, wary community harbouring secrets adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making readers feel the tension and suspicion that follows Cal as he delves into the unsolved murder.

Cal Lovett is a compelling protagonist, torn between his personal connection to the mystery of his sister's disappearance and his professional role as a true crime storyteller. The emotional depth and complexity of Cal's character provide a relatable anchor for readers, as he grapples with his own past while navigating the challenges of the new cold case.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with each revelation and twist propelling the story forward. Critchlow masterfully builds suspense, keeping readers guessing about the resolution of the mysteries until the very end. The integration of podcasting as a narrative device adds a modern and relevant touch to the storytelling, connecting the characters to the contemporary world of true crime enthusiasts.

"Unburied" explores themes of justice, the impact of unresolved trauma, and the lengths individuals are willing to go to uncover the truth. The novel poses thought-provoking questions about the consequences of seeking justice and the toll it can take on those involved.

Overall, "Unburied" is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that captivates readers with its well-drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting. Heather Critchlow has crafted a suspenseful narrative that keeps the pages turning, making it a recommended read for fans of psychological mysteries and cold case thrillers.

Cal Lovatt, podcaster, is still trying to find his missing, decades ago, sister which has also lead to his divorce. He's convinced that he knows that she was killed, who the murderer was and, indeed, where her body is likely to be. The police are less convinced but are, at least, keeping the case open. He's moved back in with mother, not a good idea. He is developing a new relationship with Shona, the only really sensible person in the book. On holiday in the wilds of the highlands somewhere he encounters Robbie with am horrific past when he found his murdered mother on the family doorstep when he was only 4 or so. The second timeline tells the story of Bryony, Robbie's mother, and her unsatisfactory marriage. For once the dual timelines work well and the stories of Cal and Robbie parallel each other to a degree, as do those of Bryony and Maggie, Cal's sister. There is something of detecting but the main thrust of the story focuses on personal and inter-personal relationships. Being the second in a series I felt that I did lose something of Cal's early story but not enough to want to go and read that. Equally, although there were some tied up endings in this story, there are more partial cliff hangers, this I never really like. In this case they are not such to make me really want to read more, hence the three stars. It's well written though and you certainly feel the atmosphere of a tight-knit secluded community who really don't want or like incomers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Cal Lovett #2

Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people's stories on his true-crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister's disappearance - now he might finally get to tell Margot's story.

A motherless boy begs for hos help.

Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, but is dragged into a new cold case: the unsolved murder of a woman who was shot on her own doorstep fourteen years ago.

This story is written in the third person. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. Cal is a true-crime podcaster, but he also has his own family tragedy. While seeking respite in the Scottish Highlands, he is dragged into a cold case that happened fourteen years ago. But he doesn't realise what a huge can of worms he will be opening. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The pace is on the slow side, but the plot has been well-developed. This is a well-written and suspenseful mystery. Although I have not read the first book in this series, it does read well as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Canelo and the author HeatherCritchlow for my ARC of #Unburied in exchange for an honest review.

Unburied is book 2 in the Cal Lovett files. Although it is book two, you could easily read it as a standalone.
We are back with Cal, True crime podcaster, who tries to solve other people's problems. But he is still got some of his own. He is still searching for his sister Margot who disappeared all of them years ago. When he hears some news from the Police, not good but is nearing in finding her that there maybe some evidence in a nearby scrapyard.
He is now also split up with his wife Allie and now living back with his mum. They don’t have the friendliest of relationships. So he decides to have a break and go on Holiday to the Scottish highlands with his new relationship Shona. But, when he was expecting peace and quiet. He get recognised by the local including a young lad called Robbie who is asking for help to find out what happened to his mother, as the killer was not found. His mother Bryony was shot dead on the doorstep when Robbie was 5 years old.
Bryony relationship with her husband Angus was a tremulous one. She also struggled with her mental health. But Bryony had her own screts that even her husband didn’t know about. As Cal investgates they found out the real kind of person she was. But Cal follows a dangerous path and even gets in some bother trying to find out.
This is another intriguing, multi layered and solid storyline with some interesting characters. I was hooked right through to the end. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.

What a book.
This is the first book I have read from this author. I also didn’t know it was book 2 so had not read book 1. However, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone. There was nothing in this book I was confused over and didn’t have full understanding haven’t not read the first book. Although I am going to go back and read it because I enjoyed this so much.
I am a big mystery/unsolved/crime drama fan. TV/books/film. I am also normally pretty quick to figure out the ‘whodunnit’ I must have been 3/4 in before I even had a suspicion who I thought it was.
That’s how good this book is. The story was gripping. From chapter 1 I was hooked. I’m normally a dual POV reader and this is 3rd person and usually I struggle with that concept when it’s not well written but this is so well written that wasn’t an issue at all.
The MMC, Cal, is a true crime/unsolved murder podcaster, with his own family tragedy unraveling he meets a young man who is struggling with his mothers unsolved murder case.
Desperate for some answers he asks Cal for help but while trying to uncover secrets from 15 years ago he unknowingly is walking into his own drama.
I loved the way this book was written in present tense with Cal investigating and flashbacks to Bryony’s untimely death that took her away from her 2 young boys and all that she was dealing with beforehand.
Although this was a ‘slow burn’ at no point did I think it was too slow, it was perfectly paced and detailed enough I was totally in captured in this world.
If you like mystery, suspense and whodunnits this book is definitely for you!

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review from NetGalley

The house on the cover of Unburied by Heather Critchlow is something I would want to explore. It looks spooky and intriguing. Unburied is the second book in the Cal Lovett Files. I don’t feel I missed too much by not reading the first book.

Cal Lovett has spent half his life telling other people’s stories on his true crime podcast. But the police are close to solving the mystery of his sister’s disappearance.

Cal seeks respite on a holiday in the Scottish Highlands but is dragged into a new cold case: an unsolved murder that shattered a family fourteen years ago.

The character of Bryony struggles with her mental health and caring for her two boys. Unburied is a book about obsession, how characters feel about each other, and what each deserves or doesn’t deserve.

The story was solid, and the characters developed well. I would recommend this book. I enjoyed the Scottish location.

#Unburied #NetGalley @canelo_co

I first came across Heather Critchlow's writing when I read her book Unsolved. Having just finished Unburied - a follow-up to that first story featuring Cal Lovett - I can honestly say that it does not disappoint.

Struggling to come to terms with the reality of his divorce, Lovett is having difficulty with the next case he must select to cover in his podcast, since all his attention is taken up by developments related to the cold case of his sister Margot's death. Solving her murder has been the motive driving almost every key decision in Cal's life, and was also a major factor in the disintegration of his marriage to Allie, his ex-wife.

While Cal is now exploring the novelty of his relationship with Shona, a forensics expert he met during his first podcast covering a cold case in the Scottish Highlands, he is also working on spending more time with his daughter Chrissie, who he is close to. These relationships are particularly important, given that things are not going well re Margot's case, even though her remains have finally been located.

In an effort to distract himself from the possibility that Margot's murderer may escape punishment (especially given the very effective media strategy that his lawyers have adopted), Cal throws himself into his next podcast about the murder of a young wife and mother several years ago.

But he has no idea what a hornet's nest he's about to stir up this time...

This is a sensitively-written, meticulously developed story, full of relatable and/or tragic characters who are doing the best they can with the hand they've been dealt. I did not like some elements of the ending, but overall, this was a compelling and intelligent read. I give it 3.5 stars.