I didn’t realize this was part of a series. I definitely think it would help to have trigger warnings listed in the beginning of the book, especially when it comes to the abuse allegations at the local children’s home. I did find it to be slow but maybe I would have felt different if I had read the other books. Thank you NetGalley, Paul and Storm Publishing for the ARC!

The annual Hull Fair is in full swing. For Hollie Turner it is always a bad time of year as it brings back memories of 1999 when as at the Uni she attended the fair with her best friend Moira. On the night Moira disappeared. Moira had been brought up in care. No-one seemed to be really invested in finding her. The way the whole case was handled, was the spur for Hollie to decide on a change of career. Now twenty-five years later a retired police officer is found murdered near to where Moira disappeared. Is there a connection?

This was a fast paced police procedural. It was great to find out more about Hollie's youth. I enjoy the fact it is set in Hull as that is where I was a student. Although I was there a lot earlier than 1999 it was good to recall the places & road names! The other characters are also interesting & believable. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Her Final Secret is a gripping British police procedural that follows detective Hollie Turner as she tackles a case that stirs up dark memories from her past. The story opens with the murder of a retired police superintendent at Hull Fair, a chilling crime that hits close to home for Hollie. Twenty-five years earlier, her best friend Moira vanished without a trace at the same fair. As Hollie digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets involving historical abuse, a mysterious care home, and the suspicious death of a former care worker.

This book marked my first encounter with Paul J. Teague's work, and I didn't realize it was part of a series featuring detective Hollie Turner. Fortunately, it can be read as a standalone, as the narrative provides enough background for new readers to immerse themselves.

The cover is strikingly atmospheric, and its eerie aesthetic was a major draw for me. It perfectly complements the suspenseful tone of the story. The setting of Hull Fair adds a creepy, almost cinematic backdrop that enhances the tension, especially as the narrative alternates between the present investigation and flashbacks to Moira's disappearance. This dual timeline keeps the reader engaged and offers insights into Hollie's character and motivations.

Hollie Turner herself is a highlight. She's a compelling protagonist with a strong emotional arc. Her determination to solve the case and seek justice for Moira makes her an easy character to root for.

That said, the book fell a little short of my expectations. While I enjoy British crime novels, the pacing here was slower than I prefer, and some of the twists were predictable. I kept waiting for a shocking revelation or a jaw-dropping moment, but those never came.

Overall, Her Final Secret is a solid mystery with an intriguing premise, a likeable lead, and an unsettling atmosphere. If you're a fan of police procedurals and don't mind a steadier pace, this might be a good fit. However, if you're looking for a fast-paced thriller with unpredictable twists, this one might feel a bit tame.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the 5th book in the Hollie Turner series. This is very much a character based book. Told with a now and then timeline. You can easily read this as a standalone.

Her Final Secret got me hooked from the beginning, past becomes mixed up with present days and Hollie is struggling but fighting hard to be the lead detective on a case that might finally uncover the truth about the disappearance of her friend decades ago. However, beware, if youare not up to reading about exploitation of minors living under perilous circumstances this might be the wrong book for you. Hollie will have flash backs of the ordeal she went through and will end up with some hard evidence that the lies run deep through the force. The story has a good plot, it's fast-paced, and has two different time lines to help explaining how things happened in the past and in the present investigation. It's well-written and a must-read for those who like the genre. Highly recommended!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I have not read the previous four books in this series. However, that didn't take away the fun ride of this gripping novel. so many twists and turns, it kept my attention from start to finish. An engaging and fantastic story. I will definitely be looking into the four prior to this one.

Thank you #NetGalley #HerFinalSecret

Book 5 in the Detective Hollie Turner series. A great read with a storyline that me hooked from the first page to the last. Highly recommend

I love the whole Hollie Hunter series. Her Final Secret is the best so far (but I have said this about them all, I think)

Teague’s writing style just flows so easy for the reader.

I like the two different timelines and learning more about Hollies past.

Simply Brilliant. I need more.

Her Final Secret by Paul Teague is his fifth book in the Detective Hollie Turner series. Hollie Turner is estranged from her husband Leon following an extramarital affair on his part; their 2 young children Noah and Lily are living with Leon. Hollie is called to the Hull Fairgrounds to investigate the brutal death of former Police Superintendent Gordon Carrick; ironically 25 years ago Hollie's best friend Moira Kennedy went missing at the fair- never to be seen again. Hollie never got over what happened to Moira despite the fact that it became a Cold Case years ago; it certainly impacted her decision to join the police force. Carrick's death raises old memories, and as information about the former superintendent emerges, Hollie begins to think the cases may be related. The book is told from her perspective of the 1999 events and the current investigation. I found it to be an intriguing storyline; at times it seemed just a bit slow to me, however overall a very good read. Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Paul J.Teague for the opportunity to read an ARC of Her Final Secret; this review reflects my honest opinion. 4 stars.

A very well constructed police procedural book with interesting characters. I particularly liked the two time lines which expanded the motivation but also gave in depth reasons behind what had happened. A solid 4 star read.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this arc copy.

This book was fast paced, dual POV and GRIPPING.

I have never read a DI Hollie Turner before, but I am flying through the first 4 as we speak.

I do think the ending was a tiny bit rushed, and it could have ended in SO many different ways, but it was such an enjoyable thriller!

This book had me gripped from the first page, even though I hadn't read the previous books in the series I found it easy to read as a standalone.
DI Hollie Turner knew that her university friend Moira Kennedy's life at the Ambrose House children's home had been rough, twenty five years later she was going to discover just how rough.
This story is written over two timelines, 1999 and the present day, it's a format that i'm not usually fond of but in this book it flows well.
When Hollie and her team were called to investigate the murder of Gordon Garrick, a former police officer, bizarrely left in the ghost train at the annual Hull Fair, Hollie felt sick, it bore a striking resemblance to the disappearance of her friend Moira at the same fair twenty five years ago, there had never been any sightings of Moira and a body had never been found. Hollie was convinced that the police hadn't taken it seriously, they didn't seem to put any effort into finding Moira and it was this that pushed Hollie into joining the police force.
Hollie's gut feeling was telling her that this was more than a coincidence and as the body count began to escalate, Hollie knew that she was working against time, the common denominator to all these deaths was a children's home, the same children's home where Moira had spent her unhappy childhood.
This story follows the journey of Hollie and her team as they try to unravel the clues to find the killer and hopefully find her friend, the frustration, fear and anger that Hollie feels is palpable as she fights her own demons.
I highly recommend this book, it has nail biting suspense, there are red herrings galore and most important, the characters are well rounded and likeable.
Thank you so much to Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this review is totally my own.

This story presents a familiar plot centred around abuse at a children’s home and explores the long-lasting effects on the victims who seek justice. One of its strengths is the atmospheric writing, vividly capturing a funfair's bright lights and excitement. The author does an excellent job of engaging the senses, allowing readers to feel, smell, and visualize the scene while experiencing the palpable teenage excitement.

The transition from a lively funfair to a more sinister atmosphere is cleverly executed, enhancing the overall impact of the narrative. It effectively conveys the complexities of teenage emotions, including disappointment, drama, and distress, as a joyful setting turns dark. The tension builds throughout the story, keeping readers invested in the characters and their journeys.

Overall, it's an exciting read. I would recommend it for its strong character development and atmospheric storytelling. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

**Trigger Warning:** This book contains content related to sexual assault (SA), which may be distressing for some readers.

*Her Final Secret* by Paul J. Teague is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of crime, memory, and the lengths people will go to protect their own secrets. Set against the backdrop of a chilling investigation, the novel follows Detective Hollie, who is tasked with solving the murder of a retired police Superintendent. What begins as a seemingly straightforward case soon spirals into a web of deception, leaving Hollie to grapple with both professional and personal stakes.

The plot takes a sharp turn when it is revealed that the murder is somehow connected to Hollie’s missing friend, and the twists that unfold are as unexpected as they are compelling. Teague excels in crafting a narrative that keeps the reader on edge, with each chapter offering new revelations that further complicate the mystery.

Hollie, as a protagonist, is relatable and sympathetic, navigating the pressures of the investigation while dealing with her own emotional turmoil. The dynamics of the case and Hollie's personal connections to the people involved add an additional layer of tension, creating an atmosphere where every decision feels high-stakes. The intertwining of her professional and personal life makes for a highly engaging read, as Hollie faces moral dilemmas, deepening suspicions, and the horrifying realization that everything she thought she knew might be a lie.

The pacing of *Her Final Secret* is relentless, with Teague skillfully ratcheting up the suspense. As the investigation unravels, secrets come to light that change the course of the investigation, leading to a climax that is as shocking as it is satisfying. The way Teague handles the revelations around the missing friend and the retired Superintendent is expertly done, with each twist building on the last in a way that will have readers eager to see how it all plays out.

While the thriller elements are strong, the darker themes, particularly the content related to sexual assault, may be triggering for some readers. However, the novel doesn’t exploit these themes but rather uses them to further explore the complexity of human nature and the impact of trauma. It's a story about power, control, and the lengths people go to protect themselves and their secrets.

Overall, *Her Final Secret* is a well-executed psychological thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Teague’s ability to craft tension, develop multifaceted characters, and incorporate unexpected twists makes this a standout in the genre. If you're a fan of thrillers with deep character development and an unpredictable plot, this book is sure to satisfy.

*Note:* Given the sensitive content, readers should be aware of the trigger warning before diving in, as the subject matter may be distressing for some.

Hollie’s best friend, Moira, went missing 25 years ago while they were at the fair. Now, a former police superintendent is found dead at the same fair and Hollie is now a cop who is determined to get to the bottom of this and find her best friend. This was an interesting crime thriller. I gave it 3 ⭐️ as I did enjoy it, however, for me it was a bit repetitive and slow initially and I just didn’t find myself reaching for this book. It took me a long time to get through it. I loved the cover, and the timeline was interesting going back and forth between 1977 and present day. Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Paul Teague for this complimentary copy of this book.

ARC provided by Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

Paul J. Teague’s Her Final Secret is an intricately layered thriller that pulls readers deep into Detective Hollie Turner’s most personal and challenging case yet. When a retired police superintendent is found murdered at Hull Fair, Hollie is forced to confront a painful chapter of her past. Hull Fair isn’t just any crime scene for Hollie—it’s the last place she saw her friend Moira, who vanished without a trace twenty-five years ago. Now, as Hollie dives into the superintendent’s death, secrets buried for decades begin to resurface, revealing chilling connections she never expected.

Teague masterfully balances suspense and emotion, crafting a narrative that not only delivers edge-of-your-seat moments but also explores Hollie’s personal journey. The author does a fantastic job of showing Hollie’s internal conflict as she navigates the tangled web of lies, cover-ups, and painful truths tied to her past. As her investigation unveils potential links to historic abuse allegations at a children’s home and the suspicious death of a former care worker, the plot thickens into a complex puzzle spanning decades.

The writing is taut and immersive, with Teague’s pacing keeping the tension high. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story takes another unexpected turn, making for an unforgettable reading experience. Hollie is portrayed with depth and resilience, her dedication to justice and personal stakes in the case making her a compelling lead throughout the series.

Her Final Secret is a must-read for fans of gritty, character-driven mysteries. Teague has once again proven his skill at crafting a multi-layered thriller that leaves a lasting impact. This latest installment is a testament to his ability to combine suspenseful storytelling with rich emotional depth, making it a worthy addition to the Detective Hollie Turner series.

I couldn't get into this one as easy as the other Paul Teague books I have no idea it was a good story and well written. It just took me a while to get into. The only real problem I find with these books is the overuse of reference to pop culture which I feel date this series.

Exciting police procedural, fast-paced thriller with horrible events in the past that are somehow connected to events in the present. Twists and turns and surprises that keep you guessing and desperate to get to the end to find out how all this can possibly be related and why no one has connected the dots before this. The ending will shock you – and make you ready for the next installment in this satisfying series.

Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing an advance copy of Her Final Secret via NetGalley. Detective Hollie Turner is a talented police officer who fearlessly digs and digs and puts herself in danger in pursuit of the truth and justice. Hollie’s own history and personal life add to the depth of the series. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

A page-turner with twist after twist. This one was packed full of emotions. I'm really enjoying Hollie. The plot moves at a brisk pace keeping the reader engaged. The ending was a perfect conclusion to the mystery.

The premise of this book was really good. Setting a murder mystery at a fair ground always adds an extra spooky effect. I found it to be a little wordy. It felt like a lot of the same things being repeated. I struggled with the very British writing style. Which, of course, is a me problem. Overall I enjoyed it.