This is the first book I have read from author Nikki French but I have seen many reviews of her books that have been extremely positive so I thought I would request the book and I am glad I did.

Nancy North has had a rough time with mental health problems but when she and her husband Felix relocate to a new flat, her mental toughness will be tested. A young woman that lives downstairs from them has committed suicide but after meeting her in the street before this occurs Nancy cannot believe that this is truth and is convinced there is much more going on. No one else believes her including the police and they put her feelings down to paranoia. This whole unit block where they have moved to is filled with strange characters and they all are out to make her life even more difficult that it already has been.

I really enjoyed this story and was rooting for Nancy all the way through. I am not going to say any more but I do highly recommend the book and feel you will enjoy it as much as I did. thank you to Netgalley , the author and publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve been a long time fan of Nicci French’s works and particularly enjoyed their latest offering Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? I was pleased to see Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor back. Whilst it is the second book that features her, both can definitely be read as standalones.

The story alternates between Maud and Nancy. Nancy has just been released from a mental health facility after a psychotic break. She and partner Felix move into a new flat for a fresh start. Not long after that a woman is found dead, a presumed suicide. Nancy is sure there’s more to it but is dismissed by the police. Maud and Nancy cross paths and Maud is convinced that her fellow detectives have missed something.

The authors give such a good insight in to what it’s like to love with a mental health condition and the stigma associated with it. From the beginning we know that Kira has been murdered but Nancy is dismissed as being paranoid and unreliable. Felix who looked like he was her main supporter appears to be gaslighting her. The tensions build you feel for Nancy and are keen for justice to be served for both her and Kira. The character development of the two women was so well done. The other residents of the house were all interesting and added to the tension as they react to the situation and Nancy. I had suspicions about a few people but was surprised by how it all came together. An engaging thriller with good insight into mental health. I hope there’ll be more Maud soon.

Nicci French, The Last Days of Kira Mullan, Simon & Schuster (Australia)|Simon & Schuster UK, January 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

I had just finished rereading Nicci French’s Frieda Klein series, and joy of joys, “The Last Days of Kira Mullan” became available. This book did not disappoint. Like the many Nicci French novels already published, this one also deserves the accolades they have garnered. “The Last days of Kira Mullan” reintroduces Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor from the earlier novel, "Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?" However, before she arrives to investigate the Kira Mullan case anew, Nancy North’s story takes centre stage. This is an excellent device, reflecting a similar experience in the earlier novel where the detective also entered the narrative where the build-up gave Charlotte Salter’s story priority. At the same time, Maud O’Connor’s story moves forward, not only does she investigate but she makes a new friend and deals with old enemies.

Nancy North, would be restaurateur, has had a breakdown. Felix, her partner, is determined to care for her and ensure that there is no recurrence. Economic circumstances force them to move from their familiar flat and environment to a new area and into an inadequate and poorly located flat. The neighbours include a constantly crying baby, her young mother and overworked doctor husband, two male friends, and Kira Mullan. Next door is a similar house, which has remained intact, belonging to a mature married couple. Their superior economic situation creates an unequal power relationship with the flat dwellers despite fraternisation between them.

It is possible that Nancy could have found a satisfactory life there, she is being cared for, she is taking her medication, and she has plans to resume her career. But she has had a partially understood conversation with Kira just before she is believed to have committed suicide, leading her to eventually question assumptions about Kira’s death. Nancy’s attempts to regain her economic and emotional independence vie with her questioning the verdict of suicide. Nancy is headed for another breakdown and Felix is even more heroic in his efforts to save her.
The tension intensifies as Nancy fights her mental instability while investigating. Her efforts are thwarted, feasibly with the best of intentions, by Felix, the neighbours, and the original police investigative team. Her fears, frustration and belief in herself and her goal to unearth the truth about Kira make for a tension filled novel where the realities of dealing with mental health are exposed. Nancy must fight for her mental health against lies, manipulation and rejection, and the law allowing her incarceration as a mental patient accused of causing risk to herself and others. Understanding the way in which an instance of mental instability can colour understandings of subsequent behaviour is an integral part of this novel. Nancy’s despair is palpable and her inability to influence events creates distressing reading. However, her strength in creating a situation where she can return home is also well drawn – both situations are realistic and keep the tension mounting.

The one problem with Nicci French novels is that they always leave me wanting another – and promptly. Fortunately, they are so packed with ideas, as well as a tension filled narrative that rereading is always a positive option while waiting. However, I cannot wait too long - please, Nicci French, quickly creäte another absorbing case for Maude O’Connor to investigate.

No one believes you. Nancy knows that she us still battling her illness but when a young woman is found dead in their apartment building she knows that something is wrong. Why would someone that is young & carefree kill themselves. Nancy saw Kira on that fateful day but no one believes them when she tells them. She knows that she is well enough but her boyfriend Felix convinces everyone that she.is having another breakdown. Only one person believes her and .most importantly she is a police detective. But will tbe.y be able to find out the truth as everyone believes it is a suicide. Nancy will do anything to escape from Felix but he isn't about to let far disappear and it has devastating results for her.
A good read. Mental illness is a tricky one as no matter how hard we try others always see us broken about to fall apart. Just like Nancy we all deserve to be heard. Nancy is a strong woman who is fighting with everything that she has to get better. Felix is the one that needed the help as he believed that she owned her.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

I devoured this absolute ripper of a story in one sitting. It’s one of Nicci French’s best so far, and I have read them all. The scariest aspect of the story is that I could so easily see it actually happening to someone. The tenuous hold on sanity and its links to personal power were chillingly portrayed, made all the more gripping by the protagonist’s insistence on getting to the truth. As ever, beautifully written with characters who leap off the pages and I can’t wait to read more books featuring this terrific detective.