This book tells the story of teenagers at school in Hull, England. Detective Hollie Turner and her team try to unravel the mystery surrounding the attack on a student at this school. The book discusses the role of social media and the not-always-correct involvement of teenagers. Many hypotheses are considered, and some twists and turns happen during the investigation. The ending is not predictable. I recommend this book.

Having read previous books of the authors I was looking forward to this and I was not disappointed. Very well written, the characters had depth and the story was well paced and left you wanting to keep reading.

Having read and enjoyed the Hollie Turner trilogy by author Paul J. Teague I eagerly awaited my chance to read 'The Killing Circle'. I always applaud writers who write stories from their own background as there is greater detail and as an ex schoolteacher Paul utilised reference to schools in this fourth book of the year. Of the 115 books I have read this year and of the many new authors I have been introduced to this year I think the work of Paul J. Teague has been perhaps the best so far. I look forward to many more Hollie Turner stories. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

I love when I discover a "new to me author," and am even happier when I love the book. Paul Teague is the new author; The Killing Circle, a book in his Detective Hollie Turner series is the novel. I couldn't put it down; it is a fast based, suspense-filled, well-crafted book. Detective Hollie Turner is called to the fairly prestigious Crestwell Academy, only to discover the brutally beaten body of 17 year old Kyle Wilson. Kyle was an only child, a good student, a loner, and his goal in life had been to become a film maker. Kyle's mom was dying from Motor Neurone Disease, and was no longer able to work. Kyle came up with what he thought would be a short-term plan, yet it ultimately led to his death. There are no dearth of suspects, yet quickly the investigation zeroes in on six potential students. Was it them or could it have been a teacher, a support staff member, a parent or a complete stranger? I stayed up quite late to find out. I really liked Hollie Turner and her team, I look forward to reading the other books in the series. The book left me thinking about the impacts of today's technology on children. Some positive impacts, certainly, however also negative, long-lasting and extremely detrimental impacts. A big thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Paul Teague for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Killing Circle; this review reflects my honest opinion.
4.5 stars.

I enjoyed the last books about about Detective Hollie Turner and this one was every bit as good.. An unputdownable book which pulled you in page after page..Great characters. And plenty of suspense to keep me enthralled. Look forward to seeing what’s next for them. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Paul J. Teague's The Killing Circle delivers a gripping and intricate true crime mystery that hooks readers from the opening scene. The plot centers on the murder of Kyle Wilson, a seventeen-year-old student found dead in a derelict outbuilding of Crestwell Academy. Detective Hollie Turner is thrust into a high-stakes investigation with a limited 72-hour window to solve the case, adding a palpable sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward.

The pacing is expertly managed, with Teague weaving together various subplots that all converge on the central mystery. Each chapter unveils new clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing about the killer's identity. The narrative structure, which intersperses Hollie’s investigation with flashbacks to Kyle’s interactions and his secretive filming habits, creates a multi-layered storyline that is both compelling and complex. This technique not only deepens the mystery but also allows readers to piece together the puzzle alongside Hollie.

The characters in The Killing Circle are well-drawn and multifaceted, each with their own secrets and motivations that contribute to the tension and suspense. Detective Hollie Turner is a standout protagonist, portrayed with a mix of professional determination and personal vulnerability. Her emotional response to Kyle's death, as seen in her struggle to hold back tears, humanizes her and makes her a relatable figure for readers.

Kyle Wilson, though deceased, is fleshed out through the investigation and the memories of those who knew him. His character is revealed to be more complex than the initial impression of a loner with a penchant for voyeurism. The conflicting views of his peers and teachers paint a picture of a troubled yet misunderstood teenager, adding depth to the victim and raising the stakes for uncovering the truth.

The supporting cast, including the students and staff of Crestwell Academy, are also given substantial backstories and character arcs. Each character’s potential involvement in Kyle’s death is meticulously explored, with Teague ensuring that no one is above suspicion. This extensive character development enhances the mystery, as readers are constantly reevaluating their theories about the killer's identity.

The Killing Circle explores themes of secrecy, the impact of surveillance, and the pressures of high school life. Teague delves into the hidden lives of teenagers, revealing how peer pressure, bullying, and the desire for acceptance can lead to devastating consequences. The theme of surveillance, represented by Kyle's secret filming, serves as a poignant commentary on privacy and the invasive nature of modern technology.

Fans of the true crime mystery genre will find much to appreciate in Teague’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to craft a believable, high-stakes investigation. The novel's tension-filled atmosphere, combined with its exploration of the dark underbelly of a seemingly ordinary school, will appeal to readers who enjoy stories that delve into the complexities of human behavior and the secrets people keep.

Among the novel’s strengths are its engaging protagonist, Detective Hollie Turner, whose personal and professional stakes add depth to the narrative, and its complex plot. The interwoven subplots and multiple perspectives create a rich, layered story that keeps readers engaged. The tension and pacing are masterfully handled; the 72-hour timeline adds urgency, while the gradual unveiling of clues and red herrings maintains suspense throughout. Additionally, each character is given a significant backstory, enhancing the mystery and making the investigation feel authentic.

Paul J. Teague's The Killing Circle is a standout entry in the true crime mystery genre, offering a riveting plot, well-rounded characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of high school dynamics and the effects of surveillance. The novel’s ability to keep readers on edge while unraveling a complex web of secrets makes it a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven mysteries.

I love the Paul J. Teague books that I have read previously and this one was really thrilling. It was full of exciting twists and turns.

great mystery!!!!! this was very well written, and i found it to be quite easy to read. this book kept me on my toes!

This is the first book by this author in the DI Holly Turner series I wished I had read the first 3, but I will make sure I read any further book in the series. When Kyle a student at Cresswell academy is found brutally murdered inside a derelict outbuilding on the schools premises the team are called in....Jenni one of the team is given some field work instead of being behind a desk, after suffering serious injury on the last case.. The teachers are hiding something from the police but what could it be? The teachers seem to be close to their students and invite them over to Chill !!. Who killed Kyle? Was it 1 person, or more? The investigation takes a dark turn when a prominent member of the community takes things into his own hands.
Great crime read
would definitely recommend

I found myself glad that my kids school is mobile free while reading this book. I was wondering how they would react to a social media ban!! At times sad, the investigation explored the relationships between a group of 6th formers, with the voice of one being his diaries (for obvious reasons). There were twists to keep up the guesswork, but I didn't guess until close to the end (I had guessed part of it but not main culprit). I found this book really good, with well written characters

This is the fourth book in the Hollie Turner series and I think it’s the best of them all. It could definitely be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend the previous three books too.

Paul Teague’s writing style flows so effortlessly. He keeps your attention from start to finish and the storylines are gripping. I lost myself in each page.

I hope this isn’t the last we see of Hollie Turner and her colleagues.

This is the fourth book in the Hollie Turner series and I think it’s the best of them all. It could definitely be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend the previous three books too.

Paul Teague’s writing style flows so effortlessly. He keeps your attention from start to finish and the storylines are gripping. I lost myself in each page.

I hope this isn’t the last we see of Hollie Turner and her colleagues.

Having read the first three in the Detective Hollie Turner series, I was keen to get my hands on book four – and it did not disappoint! The author has skilfully created a tale that is both fast-paced and atmospheric, being set mainly in a school, I don’t think this was an easy task. There is a host of well-developed characters, each one being believable (even if not likeable), and the back-stories of some of the characters makes for some truly emotional reading. The plot is intricately woven and told from various points of view, which I feel builds and maintains the tension. There are numerous twists and turns, which kept me guessing – incorrectly, to the very end. All in all, this is a gripping read, and I can’t wait to see where Hollie and her team go next.

Sinister Occurences…
The fourth outing in the Detective Hollie Turner series and a murder together with the subsequent uncovering of sinister occurrences at the Crestwell Academy embroil Hollie a bizarre mystery. With a credible and well drawn cast of characters populating a propulsive plot, a well imagined backdrop and a solid mystery at its heart, this is a gripping and absorbing tale.

Interesting and intriguing contemporary thriller,based on and around a school. Plenty of drama,twists and turns. A good read.

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. So well written. The characters are original and distinct. They're all brought to life and are turned into actual believable humans who have so many secrets and lies. The writing style flows perfectly and is easy to get lost in. The overall plot is captivating and original with twists I didn't see coming. A very locked room thriller that keeps you guessing from the start

Detective Hollie Turner is called to the scene after a 17 year old boy is found dead inside a run-down building after skipping class. Kyle Wilson had been brutally beaten and then stabbed. Hollie starts her investigation at the school, questioning students and teachers, but it quickly becomes clear that some secrets are being hidden. Hollie works to piece together clues to find out what exactly happened to the teen boy.

This book is a good detective mystery with a great premise. I enjoyed the choice of setting, being at a high school, and how the author made the students and their actions very realistic and tie into everyday teenage life. The author touches on real-life issues that many teens go through and shines light on the darker side of things that often go unnoticed or overlooked. The premise was great, however the story felt a little boring up until the end. I felt like it lacked a lot of the action and excitement I'm used to in detective mysteries. 3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing,  and Paul J. Teague for this ARC!

Honestly, absolutely brilliant. One of those books that you race to the end but In bittersweet style you’re also gutted that it’s finished.
The narrative expertly captures the essence of being in a school sixth form and all the trials and tribulations of being a teenager in a group of friends. The death of one of the boys is both heartbreaking and shocking and the underbelly of school life and bullying rears its very ugly head, but why are his peers not breaking their silence?
Lots of raw emotions are evoked and I became very engaged and almost involved in the story. I didn’t guess the whodunnit aspect, definitely a plus for me and the villain in the end was very much a love to hate character. I hurtled towards quite a few red herrings on my way to the end, brilliant storytelling.
I’ve read a few books by this author now and have always had a fantastic experience certainly never disappointed.

This was a very well written police procedural. It is the 4th book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, I plan to go back and read the others to get more depth into the main characters.

A 6 Form student is found dead on campus. Detective Hollie Turner and her team are assigned to investigate. I like that this team works well together. There are so many mysteries where teams are fractured and sniping at one another. Hollie realizes the strengths in each of her members, and smartly utilizes these to propel the investigation forward.

This is similar to a locked room case in that everyone in the school has some involvement. And all have secrets!

The characters are well developed. Although the solution seemed to have many resolutions, I felt the one the author portrayed was well done!

I feel that this is a timely novel. Students, really everyone, has access to so many things via social media. As a mom, I went to have a social media safety chat with my kids after reading this!

But it is a great story and investigation. However, there are triggers: death of child, suicide.

I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, and look forward to the next installment.


Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my voluntary, honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm publishing and author Paul J Teague for the opportunity to review this ARC.

I was very impressed with this book. It was a fast paced page turner that I didn’t want to put down. The fact that it was so realistic and very well could happen in real life was a huge part for me.

The characters were all developed well and were very relatable. The storyline was perfect and kept my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end.

While reading the author made it feel like you were actually a part of the story. I so badly wanted to have a word with some of the characters and literally felt anger at what some of them had done.

This was my first read by this author but I’d like to go back and read the first 3 books in this series. It was well done as a stand alone book though.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️