What do you think?
Rate this book
Major Crimes #4
The Countdown Killer
A MAN MURDERED, LIVE ON CAMERA
When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence… This is death, on demand.
A KILLER COUNTING DOWN
Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always in a forty-eight-hour pattern.
A MISSING DETECTIVE
But when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In forty-eight hours, a police officer will be the one in front of the camera. The hunters have become the hunted, and the clock is ticking…
When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence… This is death, on demand.
A KILLER COUNTING DOWN
Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always in a forty-eight-hour pattern.
A MISSING DETECTIVE
But when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In forty-eight hours, a police officer will be the one in front of the camera. The hunters have become the hunted, and the clock is ticking…
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2025
73 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
Sam Holland
5 books748 followersSam Holland is the award-winning author of the Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. Her debut, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Countdown Killer is the latest in the series and is out now.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
Her books have been published in 15 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.
The Countdown Killer is the latest in the series and is out now.
She also writes as Louisa Scarr and is the author of the Butler and West crime series, beginning with Last Place You Look and ending with Out of the Ashes. A new series, about a police dog handler, launched in July 2024 with Gallows Wood. Book two and three in the series, Memorial Park and Broken House, are out now.
Sam can be found on social media at @samhollandbooks or online at www.samhollandbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
June 23, 2025
Now Available!
In "The Killer Countdown" by Sam Holland, readers are thrust into an intense and electrifying psychological thriller that marks the fourth installment in the Major Crimes series. The story follows DCI Cara Elliott and her dedicated team as they embark on a harrowing quest to apprehend a serial killer who meticulously tracks his victims, each falling prey to his sinister list one by one.
The narrative takes a chilling turn when a mysterious DVD arrives in the middle of the night, compelling DCI Elliott to hit play on a horrifying showreel that feels disturbingly like death on demand. The killer's twisted game soon unfolds, revealing a macabre spectacle in which an audience pays to witness gruesome acts—complete with specific requests for acts of retribution, all occurring within a chilling forty-eight-hour cycle.
As the investigation intensifies, the stakes climb higher. The killer becomes increasingly aware of the detectives pursuing him, leading to a shocking twist connected to "The Echo Man." This revelation raises the tension, leaving readers questioning the department's integrity: is there a leak among the detectives, or, more terrifyingly, could one of them be the killer? Suddenly, the hunters become the hunted, racing against the clock as they fight to uncover the truth.
Holland's exceptional writing showcases her ability to master the psychological thriller genre, gripping readers tightly from the first page. The dark themes explored in the story challenge comfort levels, imbuing the atmosphere with a palpable tension. There are moments when you might feel tempted to look away, yet the narrative's magnetic pull keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to know what will transpire next.
What truly distinguishes this series is the depth of character development and the intricate plotting, keeping audiences perched on the edge of their seats. Sam Holland's bold and unapologetic style caters to those who crave exhilarating experiences, making this an absolute must-read. It's advisable to dive into "The Echo Man" before tackling this book to fully appreciate the unfolding story without encountering spoilers.
Fans of this series should mark their calendars for June 5, 2025, as this release is not to be missed. I am incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for the fantastic opportunity to read and review an e-arc of "The Killer Countdown." This chilling thriller captivated me from the start, weaving a clever premise with relentless pacing. Holland orchestrates a captivating cat-and-mouse game that melds psychological depth with fast-moving suspense, creating an urgent and compelling atmosphere at every turn.
The growth of characters, notably DCI Cara Elliott and her brother, DS Nate Griffin, adds significant weight to the unfolding case as their determination and personal stakes become deeply intertwined with the investigation. Holland skillfully intertwines past and present, revealing unsettling details at just the right moments. While some twists may be anticipated, the execution ensures that readers remain engaged, with tension that never falters.
The story's pacing maintains a strong momentum, allowing for brief moments of character development that add depth to the narrative before the plot hurtles toward a thrilling conclusion. "The Killer Countdown" is a gripping, well-crafted thriller I wholeheartedly recommend.
PRE-READ I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just received an e-arc of "The Killer Countdown" by Sam Holland! This electrifying serial killer thriller is the latest addition to the Major Crimes series. It promises to be a wild ride as it follows DCI Cara Elliott and her dedicated team on their quest to hunt down a serial killer who tracks his victims one by one, placing them next on his sinister list.
The story takes a chilling turn when a DVD arrives in the dead of night, leading DCI Elliott to hit play on a horrifying showreel of violence that feels like death on demand. The killer's twisted game involves an audience willing to pay for the gruesome spectacles—complete with specific requests for abductions and murders that take place in a chilling forty-eight-hour pattern.
However, as the investigation deepens, the stakes escalate. The killer becomes aware of the detectives on his trail and reveals a shocking twist: in just forty-eight hours, a police officer will be the next target, turning the hunters into the hunted and leaving everyone racing against the clock.
Holland's exceptional writing showcases her mastery of the psychological thriller genre. The narrative grips you tightly from the first page, exploring dark themes that challenge your comfort zone. The tension is almost palpable; there are moments when you might feel compelled to look away, but the magnetic pull of the story keeps you eagerly flipping the pages, desperate to uncover what happens next.
What truly sets this series apart is the depth of character development and intricate plotting that keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. Sam Holland's bold and unapologetic style is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave an exhilarating experience, it’s an absolute must-read. So, mark your calendars for June 5, 2025—this is one release you won’t want to miss!
I’m incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for this fantastic opportunity to read and review "Killer Countdown." I can't wait to read this latest installment and share my thoughts with you!
In "The Killer Countdown" by Sam Holland, readers are thrust into an intense and electrifying psychological thriller that marks the fourth installment in the Major Crimes series. The story follows DCI Cara Elliott and her dedicated team as they embark on a harrowing quest to apprehend a serial killer who meticulously tracks his victims, each falling prey to his sinister list one by one.
The narrative takes a chilling turn when a mysterious DVD arrives in the middle of the night, compelling DCI Elliott to hit play on a horrifying showreel that feels disturbingly like death on demand. The killer's twisted game soon unfolds, revealing a macabre spectacle in which an audience pays to witness gruesome acts—complete with specific requests for acts of retribution, all occurring within a chilling forty-eight-hour cycle.
As the investigation intensifies, the stakes climb higher. The killer becomes increasingly aware of the detectives pursuing him, leading to a shocking twist connected to "The Echo Man." This revelation raises the tension, leaving readers questioning the department's integrity: is there a leak among the detectives, or, more terrifyingly, could one of them be the killer? Suddenly, the hunters become the hunted, racing against the clock as they fight to uncover the truth.
Holland's exceptional writing showcases her ability to master the psychological thriller genre, gripping readers tightly from the first page. The dark themes explored in the story challenge comfort levels, imbuing the atmosphere with a palpable tension. There are moments when you might feel tempted to look away, yet the narrative's magnetic pull keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, desperate to know what will transpire next.
What truly distinguishes this series is the depth of character development and the intricate plotting, keeping audiences perched on the edge of their seats. Sam Holland's bold and unapologetic style caters to those who crave exhilarating experiences, making this an absolute must-read. It's advisable to dive into "The Echo Man" before tackling this book to fully appreciate the unfolding story without encountering spoilers.
Fans of this series should mark their calendars for June 5, 2025, as this release is not to be missed. I am incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for the fantastic opportunity to read and review an e-arc of "The Killer Countdown." This chilling thriller captivated me from the start, weaving a clever premise with relentless pacing. Holland orchestrates a captivating cat-and-mouse game that melds psychological depth with fast-moving suspense, creating an urgent and compelling atmosphere at every turn.
The growth of characters, notably DCI Cara Elliott and her brother, DS Nate Griffin, adds significant weight to the unfolding case as their determination and personal stakes become deeply intertwined with the investigation. Holland skillfully intertwines past and present, revealing unsettling details at just the right moments. While some twists may be anticipated, the execution ensures that readers remain engaged, with tension that never falters.
The story's pacing maintains a strong momentum, allowing for brief moments of character development that add depth to the narrative before the plot hurtles toward a thrilling conclusion. "The Killer Countdown" is a gripping, well-crafted thriller I wholeheartedly recommend.
PRE-READ I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just received an e-arc of "The Killer Countdown" by Sam Holland! This electrifying serial killer thriller is the latest addition to the Major Crimes series. It promises to be a wild ride as it follows DCI Cara Elliott and her dedicated team on their quest to hunt down a serial killer who tracks his victims one by one, placing them next on his sinister list.
The story takes a chilling turn when a DVD arrives in the dead of night, leading DCI Elliott to hit play on a horrifying showreel of violence that feels like death on demand. The killer's twisted game involves an audience willing to pay for the gruesome spectacles—complete with specific requests for abductions and murders that take place in a chilling forty-eight-hour pattern.
However, as the investigation deepens, the stakes escalate. The killer becomes aware of the detectives on his trail and reveals a shocking twist: in just forty-eight hours, a police officer will be the next target, turning the hunters into the hunted and leaving everyone racing against the clock.
Holland's exceptional writing showcases her mastery of the psychological thriller genre. The narrative grips you tightly from the first page, exploring dark themes that challenge your comfort zone. The tension is almost palpable; there are moments when you might feel compelled to look away, but the magnetic pull of the story keeps you eagerly flipping the pages, desperate to uncover what happens next.
What truly sets this series apart is the depth of character development and intricate plotting that keeps you perched on the edge of your seat. Sam Holland's bold and unapologetic style is not for the faint of heart, but for those who crave an exhilarating experience, it’s an absolute must-read. So, mark your calendars for June 5, 2025—this is one release you won’t want to miss!
I’m incredibly grateful to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for this fantastic opportunity to read and review "Killer Countdown." I can't wait to read this latest installment and share my thoughts with you!
August 14, 2025
5 disturbing stars!!!
This was a rollercoaster of emotions. Wow just wow!!!!!! These characters feel so real like I can feel their pain and trust me there was A LOT of pain in this book😭
Definitely my second favorite one after the first installment in this series, The Echo Man. This book perfectly wraps up what happened at the end of book 1. Really can't get into any of the plot cause it would spoil book 1 and a bit of book 3.
This was disturbing, exciting, stressful and I loved every minute of it! I hope we get more books in this series, but if we don't, it at least ended on a good-ish note😅 Will most definitely be following this very talented author with any new projects though!
Edit: After stalking the author's profile a lil bit😅, I saw there are 2 more books in the series planned!! more serial killers for me🙌
This was a rollercoaster of emotions. Wow just wow!!!!!! These characters feel so real like I can feel their pain and trust me there was A LOT of pain in this book😭
Definitely my second favorite one after the first installment in this series, The Echo Man. This book perfectly wraps up what happened at the end of book 1. Really can't get into any of the plot cause it would spoil book 1 and a bit of book 3.
This was disturbing, exciting, stressful and I loved every minute of it! I hope we get more books in this series, but if we don't, it at least ended on a good-ish note😅 Will most definitely be following this very talented author with any new projects though!
Edit: After stalking the author's profile a lil bit😅, I saw there are 2 more books in the series planned!! more serial killers for me🙌
June 10, 2025
Sam Holland has outdone herself with The Countdown Killer!! The Echo Man is one of my favourite serial killer books but this one may have just topped it. What an incredible book. I seriously could not get enough. I am really glad I saved it for a time that I could just keep reading f because it was impossible to put down. It is everything that you want in a dark crime fiction book, it is intense, it is so messed up and it is fascinating. One of the best books that I have read so far in 2025.
This is book 4 in the major crimes series and I highly recommend that you at least read Echo Man. Fore this one. But seriously, you need to read all of them, they are just a cut above in all aspects. The team are given a DVD that has been handed into the station containing a snuff film. They think it will an open and shut case but it is far from it. It will take them to places they never imagined. This is one dangerous case for them all and it will have a huge impact on their lives forever.
Sam Holland is just a brilliant writer. She really gets the reader into the story from the very start and poles on the twist. Thee is never a dull moment. It is a book that I won’t forget, with its detailed descriptions of crime scenes and murder that made my stomach churn.
Brilliant and deserves all the love and all the stars 🌟
Thanks so so so much to Harper Collins UK for my early copy of this book to read. I need a physical copy for my shelves ASAP . Publishes on June 5th.
This is book 4 in the major crimes series and I highly recommend that you at least read Echo Man. Fore this one. But seriously, you need to read all of them, they are just a cut above in all aspects. The team are given a DVD that has been handed into the station containing a snuff film. They think it will an open and shut case but it is far from it. It will take them to places they never imagined. This is one dangerous case for them all and it will have a huge impact on their lives forever.
Sam Holland is just a brilliant writer. She really gets the reader into the story from the very start and poles on the twist. Thee is never a dull moment. It is a book that I won’t forget, with its detailed descriptions of crime scenes and murder that made my stomach churn.
Brilliant and deserves all the love and all the stars 🌟
Thanks so so so much to Harper Collins UK for my early copy of this book to read. I need a physical copy for my shelves ASAP . Publishes on June 5th.
November 7, 2025
Sam Holland, ook bekend onder het pseudoniem Louisa Scarr, is een Britse thrillerschrijfster. Ze debuteerde met De echoman en gooide meteen hoge ogen. Haar boeken bevatten duistere, gruwelijke elementen en psychologische diepgang. De countdown killer is het vierde boek in de Major Crimes serie.
Cara Elliot en haar team krijgen een DVD in handen waarop een moord tot in detail zichtbaar is. Ze zien hoe een man recht voor hun ogen wordt afgemaakt. Als ze dieper graven, ontdekken ze nog veel meer snuffmovies in het huis van een overleden man. Alleen kan hij niet alleen verantwoordelijk geweest zijn voor alle moorden die opgenomen werden. Cara moet dus op zoek gaan naar een uiterst verknipt persoon. Een meesterbrein. Eén ding is echter zeker en dat is dat de dader niet zal stoppen tot hij klaar is met zijn missie.
De countdown killer begint met een vrouw die een DVD inlevert op het politiebureau. Cara en het team sporen haar op en ontdekken, verborgen in het bureau van haar overleden echtgenoot, nog meer verderfelijke films. Het begin van het boek is nog redelijk rustig te noemen, als we het vergelijken met wat er vanaf het midden allemaal begint te spelen. De lezer wordt van het ene onverwachte feit naar het volgende geslingerd en is nog maar nauwelijks bekomen van de ene verrassing of de volgende wacht al. Nate Griffin krijgt in dit boek ook een zeer verdienstelijke hoofdrol en komt, net zoals zijn zus Cara, uitgebreid aan bod. De personages in de boeken van Sam Holland zijn steevast goed uitgewerkt en de lezer merkt ook dat ze evolutie doormaken. Nate zwelgt niet langer in zijn verdriet en durft stilaan opnieuw vooruit kijken. Alleen is deze zaak zo omvangrijk dat niemand gespaard wordt. Cara is na haar scheiding van Roo gelukkig met Charlie, maar blijft intussen haar ex-partner Noah opzoeken. De spanningen tussen Cara en Charlie kunnen dus ook niet uitblijven. De lezer krijgt een goede inkijk in de denkwijze van de personages en elke actie wordt goed uitgeschreven.
De countdown killer is een zeer sterk boek in de Major Crimes reeks en laat de lezer de meest verderfelijke kant van de mens zien. Het boek brengt de lezer van de ene emotie naar de andere en is zonder meer nagelbijtend te noemen.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Vrouwenthrillers.
Ik wil de uitgeverij bedanken voor het recensieboek.
Cara Elliot en haar team krijgen een DVD in handen waarop een moord tot in detail zichtbaar is. Ze zien hoe een man recht voor hun ogen wordt afgemaakt. Als ze dieper graven, ontdekken ze nog veel meer snuffmovies in het huis van een overleden man. Alleen kan hij niet alleen verantwoordelijk geweest zijn voor alle moorden die opgenomen werden. Cara moet dus op zoek gaan naar een uiterst verknipt persoon. Een meesterbrein. Eén ding is echter zeker en dat is dat de dader niet zal stoppen tot hij klaar is met zijn missie.
De countdown killer begint met een vrouw die een DVD inlevert op het politiebureau. Cara en het team sporen haar op en ontdekken, verborgen in het bureau van haar overleden echtgenoot, nog meer verderfelijke films. Het begin van het boek is nog redelijk rustig te noemen, als we het vergelijken met wat er vanaf het midden allemaal begint te spelen. De lezer wordt van het ene onverwachte feit naar het volgende geslingerd en is nog maar nauwelijks bekomen van de ene verrassing of de volgende wacht al. Nate Griffin krijgt in dit boek ook een zeer verdienstelijke hoofdrol en komt, net zoals zijn zus Cara, uitgebreid aan bod. De personages in de boeken van Sam Holland zijn steevast goed uitgewerkt en de lezer merkt ook dat ze evolutie doormaken. Nate zwelgt niet langer in zijn verdriet en durft stilaan opnieuw vooruit kijken. Alleen is deze zaak zo omvangrijk dat niemand gespaard wordt. Cara is na haar scheiding van Roo gelukkig met Charlie, maar blijft intussen haar ex-partner Noah opzoeken. De spanningen tussen Cara en Charlie kunnen dus ook niet uitblijven. De lezer krijgt een goede inkijk in de denkwijze van de personages en elke actie wordt goed uitgeschreven.
De countdown killer is een zeer sterk boek in de Major Crimes reeks en laat de lezer de meest verderfelijke kant van de mens zien. Het boek brengt de lezer van de ene emotie naar de andere en is zonder meer nagelbijtend te noemen.
Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Vrouwenthrillers.
Ik wil de uitgeverij bedanken voor het recensieboek.
March 24, 2025
I want to start of by saying I loved this book so what I am about to say first should not be taken as a criticism.
When requesting this book, I did not realise it was the fourth instalment in the Major Crimes series. Not normally an issue - I personally prefer to read all books in a series, in order, rather than jumping in part of the way through but most of these types of series can be read as standalones so not usually an issue.
Here, however, I would caution people to read at least the first novel in this series The Echo Man. I hadn't read it and I really feel like I missed out on a big part of this novel because I hadn't done so. Its not a deal breaker, as I say I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I do feel it will add to your reading experience of this book.
Due to the overlap with The Echo Man, it is difficult for me to talk too much about the storyline here as to do so would reveal spoilers for The Echo Man however I will just say this is a really impressive, twisty, sometimes gruesome, story which is expertly told.
Definitely a series I will be returning to.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When requesting this book, I did not realise it was the fourth instalment in the Major Crimes series. Not normally an issue - I personally prefer to read all books in a series, in order, rather than jumping in part of the way through but most of these types of series can be read as standalones so not usually an issue.
Here, however, I would caution people to read at least the first novel in this series The Echo Man. I hadn't read it and I really feel like I missed out on a big part of this novel because I hadn't done so. Its not a deal breaker, as I say I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I do feel it will add to your reading experience of this book.
Due to the overlap with The Echo Man, it is difficult for me to talk too much about the storyline here as to do so would reveal spoilers for The Echo Man however I will just say this is a really impressive, twisty, sometimes gruesome, story which is expertly told.
Definitely a series I will be returning to.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2025
Midden in de nacht arriveert een vrouw met een tas vol gevonden dvd's bij het politiebureau. Ze is in tranen. Als inspecteur Cara Elliott de video's bekijkt, is ze met afschuw vervult.
Er is een moordenaar actief die volgens een vast stramien werkt: een verzoek, een ontvoering en een moord. De opdracht wordt altijd binnen 48 uur uitgevoerd én wordt opgenomen voor betalende kijkers.
Cara Elliott en haar collega's storten zich direct op de zaak. Als er korte tijd later weer een lichaam opduikt, gedood volgens de exacte specificaties van de lijst, is het duidelijk: ze moeten de moordenaar heel snel opsporen, voordat hij weer genadeloos toeslaat...
'De Countdown Killer' is het vierde deel van de serie met inspecteur Cara Elliot. Het is verstandig om bij het eerste deel te beginnen, want er wordt heel veel verwezen naar 'De Echoman', en anders mis je toch de nodige informatie.
Dit verhaal begon heel erg goed! Je leest namelijk over een vrouw die met een tas vol dvd's op het politiebureau komt. Kort daarna kom je erachter wat erop staat en dat is behoorlijk schokkend!
Het is duidelijk dat ze te maken hebben met een moordenaar. Dus duikt Cara met haar team in deze lugubere zaak. Waarom is dit slachtoffer uitgekozen? En hoe komt de vrouw aan deze dvd's?
Verder lees je ook nog veel over het privéleven van Cara, en daarin spelen zich ook allerlei dingen af. Deze afwisseling met de moordzaak vond ik prettig.
Ik vond dit deel weer beter dan het voorgaande en er zaten ook best wat gruwelijke stukken in. De spanning wordt goed opgebouwd en het blijft continu boeiend. Op het einde komt er dan ook nog een plotwending en valt alles op zijn plek.
Hopelijk komt er nog een vijfde deel, want ik heb mij zeker vermaakt met dit verhaal! Deze serie is zeker een aanrader als je van gruwelijke moorden en zieke seriemoordenaars houdt!
Ik wil @harpercollins_holland heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
Er is een moordenaar actief die volgens een vast stramien werkt: een verzoek, een ontvoering en een moord. De opdracht wordt altijd binnen 48 uur uitgevoerd én wordt opgenomen voor betalende kijkers.
Cara Elliott en haar collega's storten zich direct op de zaak. Als er korte tijd later weer een lichaam opduikt, gedood volgens de exacte specificaties van de lijst, is het duidelijk: ze moeten de moordenaar heel snel opsporen, voordat hij weer genadeloos toeslaat...
'De Countdown Killer' is het vierde deel van de serie met inspecteur Cara Elliot. Het is verstandig om bij het eerste deel te beginnen, want er wordt heel veel verwezen naar 'De Echoman', en anders mis je toch de nodige informatie.
Dit verhaal begon heel erg goed! Je leest namelijk over een vrouw die met een tas vol dvd's op het politiebureau komt. Kort daarna kom je erachter wat erop staat en dat is behoorlijk schokkend!
Het is duidelijk dat ze te maken hebben met een moordenaar. Dus duikt Cara met haar team in deze lugubere zaak. Waarom is dit slachtoffer uitgekozen? En hoe komt de vrouw aan deze dvd's?
Verder lees je ook nog veel over het privéleven van Cara, en daarin spelen zich ook allerlei dingen af. Deze afwisseling met de moordzaak vond ik prettig.
Ik vond dit deel weer beter dan het voorgaande en er zaten ook best wat gruwelijke stukken in. De spanning wordt goed opgebouwd en het blijft continu boeiend. Op het einde komt er dan ook nog een plotwending en valt alles op zijn plek.
Hopelijk komt er nog een vijfde deel, want ik heb mij zeker vermaakt met dit verhaal! Deze serie is zeker een aanrader als je van gruwelijke moorden en zieke seriemoordenaars houdt!
Ik wil @harpercollins_holland heel erg bedanken voor het recensie-exemplaar!
Beoordeling: 4,0 ⭐️
April 1, 2025
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another good instalment of this series, happy with how this went!!
A Man Murdered, Live on Camera!! When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence.
A Killer Counting Down. Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always a 48hr pattern.
A Missing Detective but when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In 48hrs, a police officer will be the one in front of a camera. The hunters have become the hunted and the clock is ticking!!!
Ok so I have had a mixed history with this series. I read The Echo Man and it was over the top even for me and I like that sort of thing… but it was too much. So I bailed on book 2 especially after some feedback from a friend that was… you will hate this. So, I thought fair thats me done. Then book three came out and I liked the sound of the plot… it was different to the other two so I thought why not I love punishment see what happens… and I gave that 4 stars. So here we are at book 4.
Now, I clearly liked this however, this book has some pretty close storyline ties to book one so if you have jumped straight in you will be ok… but you will be better off if you have read book one. There in-lies my dilemma I don’t really recommend book one so… just do whatever you like… and if you choose to not read book one you will be ok… but perhaps read up on some book one spoilers i.e. who was the killer.
That said… I enjoyed this. I like the characters and I like the team. They work well together… and this book is no exception. I was expecting one thing to happen and another did so I was a little shocked which is of course the point so I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is good.. this author is also Louisa Scarr so for those of you who are fans of the Butler and West Series (LOVE THEM) same author although COMPLETELY different style. So its like they are not but I still like her writing.
I think that these books are pretty gory for the most part. There is a lot of violence they are your typical serial killer fiction with lots of blood and guts and death. So if thats not your thing, try Louisa Scarr she is great!! But if you are all for the blood and guts… then you might enjoy this. The concept is not especially new, but it is entertaining so we aren’t going into this for realism and facts it is what it is… pure unadulterated entertainment with dead bodies.
I also like the backstory in these books, you get some of Cara’s life and others as well but hers is the main storyline in the background. Her relationship with her partner, ex husband, little bit with the kids and her brother (who is also on her team). He is a loose cannon and this book is no different. Nate will get into trouble just sitting still… but thats half of the fun.
Overall, if you like this series… read this one. If you think this sounds interesting and you know what you are in for… read it. If you hated the first one and gave up… have no fear this one is better and you will have the backstory so again maybe try it. If you just hate this genre … well thank you for reading my review but what are you doing here 🤣
Thank you to NetGalley, Hemlock Press and Sam Holland for an Advance Copy in exchange of an honest review!!
A Man Murdered, Live on Camera!! When a DVD is delivered in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott hits play on a horrifying showreel of violence.
A Killer Counting Down. Avid viewers are paying for the killings, with twisted specifications. A request, an abduction, a murder. And always a 48hr pattern.
A Missing Detective but when the killer finds out they’re being investigated, they reveal their next target. In 48hrs, a police officer will be the one in front of a camera. The hunters have become the hunted and the clock is ticking!!!
Ok so I have had a mixed history with this series. I read The Echo Man and it was over the top even for me and I like that sort of thing… but it was too much. So I bailed on book 2 especially after some feedback from a friend that was… you will hate this. So, I thought fair thats me done. Then book three came out and I liked the sound of the plot… it was different to the other two so I thought why not I love punishment see what happens… and I gave that 4 stars. So here we are at book 4.
Now, I clearly liked this however, this book has some pretty close storyline ties to book one so if you have jumped straight in you will be ok… but you will be better off if you have read book one. There in-lies my dilemma I don’t really recommend book one so… just do whatever you like… and if you choose to not read book one you will be ok… but perhaps read up on some book one spoilers i.e. who was the killer.
That said… I enjoyed this. I like the characters and I like the team. They work well together… and this book is no exception. I was expecting one thing to happen and another did so I was a little shocked which is of course the point so I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is good.. this author is also Louisa Scarr so for those of you who are fans of the Butler and West Series (LOVE THEM) same author although COMPLETELY different style. So its like they are not but I still like her writing.
I think that these books are pretty gory for the most part. There is a lot of violence they are your typical serial killer fiction with lots of blood and guts and death. So if thats not your thing, try Louisa Scarr she is great!! But if you are all for the blood and guts… then you might enjoy this. The concept is not especially new, but it is entertaining so we aren’t going into this for realism and facts it is what it is… pure unadulterated entertainment with dead bodies.
I also like the backstory in these books, you get some of Cara’s life and others as well but hers is the main storyline in the background. Her relationship with her partner, ex husband, little bit with the kids and her brother (who is also on her team). He is a loose cannon and this book is no different. Nate will get into trouble just sitting still… but thats half of the fun.
Overall, if you like this series… read this one. If you think this sounds interesting and you know what you are in for… read it. If you hated the first one and gave up… have no fear this one is better and you will have the backstory so again maybe try it. If you just hate this genre … well thank you for reading my review but what are you doing here 🤣
Thank you to NetGalley, Hemlock Press and Sam Holland for an Advance Copy in exchange of an honest review!!
June 5, 2025
Words can not explain how much I loved this book, but I will try my best in my review.
The Countdown Killer is the long-awaited wrap-up to the masterpiece that is The Echo Man. I really enjoyed catching up with my favorite collection of misfits. The book is fast-paced, immediately thrusting me into a world of chaos and suspense in the very first chapter. It is foot to the pedal, full speed fast.
As usual, the team brings their own drama to the story, but it's always perfectly balanced with the plot. Never overshadowing the investigation. The suspense is so high with this one. I didn't know if to sit down, stand up, lie down, or what when reading. I just know that I could not put this one down. My spine was tingling with anticipation, and my anxiety was through the roof. I was mad at myself for not being able to read at warp speed.
This book has everything I love. Great writing, solid but complex characters, a stellar storyline, and so much more. These characters mean so much to me. They draw me in and keep me there from cover to cover. So many emotions were evoked from me with this one, including grief.
I can not say enough good things about this series other than read it!!!! These books can not be read as standalones. However, each one is well worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, and Sam Holland for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: June 5th, 2025.
The Countdown Killer is the long-awaited wrap-up to the masterpiece that is The Echo Man. I really enjoyed catching up with my favorite collection of misfits. The book is fast-paced, immediately thrusting me into a world of chaos and suspense in the very first chapter. It is foot to the pedal, full speed fast.
As usual, the team brings their own drama to the story, but it's always perfectly balanced with the plot. Never overshadowing the investigation. The suspense is so high with this one. I didn't know if to sit down, stand up, lie down, or what when reading. I just know that I could not put this one down. My spine was tingling with anticipation, and my anxiety was through the roof. I was mad at myself for not being able to read at warp speed.
This book has everything I love. Great writing, solid but complex characters, a stellar storyline, and so much more. These characters mean so much to me. They draw me in and keep me there from cover to cover. So many emotions were evoked from me with this one, including grief.
I can not say enough good things about this series other than read it!!!! These books can not be read as standalones. However, each one is well worth your time.
Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, and Sam Holland for my eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: June 5th, 2025.
August 11, 2025
Fühlte sich an wie der Abschluss der Reihe, was ich aber nicht hoffe.
June 29, 2025
If you thought The Echo Man was intense, then you’d better brace yourself for The Countdown Killer.
This is the fourth installment in the Major Crimes series, and let me be clear right away: this book is not a standalone. You really need to have read the previous books—otherwise, you’ll miss not only the storyline, but also the depth, emotional layers, and crucial background information.
Especially if, like me, you were left with questions and emotions after The Echo Man.
This fourth book focuses primarily on Cara Elliott. She is clearly at the center of it all. But of course, all the familiar faces are back as well.
The development of Cara—and of the other characters too—is strongly present and, in my opinion, brilliantly done. It felt raw and intense, and at times I truly had to pause and catch my breath. I could feel their pain, their fear, their helplessness. To me, this book elevates the characters to a whole new level, which made it all the more impressive.
The story itself is fast-paced, with a high tempo that never feels rushed. It’s suspenseful, full of detail (gruesome details are certainly not avoided), and the case that Cara and her team are working on is intense and nerve-racking. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, and once the killer gets uncomfortably close, that ticking clock truly starts to feel like a time bomb. The tension builds—both literally and figuratively.
And then there’s the plot. Sam has crafted something brilliant here. There are several unexpected twists that will make your heart race. It’s cleverly constructed, perfectly paced, and trust me: once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s a page-turner from start to finish and, without a doubt, the best book in the series so far.
What hit me the most is how emotionally wrecked this book left me. I really hope there’s going to be a follow-up, because my heart needs to know whether these characters will ever recover from this case…
Conclusion
The Countdown Killer is by far my favorite in the Major Crimes series.
Not only is Sam Holland’s growth as an author clearly visible, but this book also provides answers to lingering questions and loose ends from the earlier books.
While reading, I screamed, I cried, and I held my breath more than once.
The pace was relentless, the characters brilliantly written, and the plot packed with surprising twists. I’m still speechless.
So yes—I’m a fan. This book completely consumed me, and I truly hope there’s more to come. I just can’t let go of this series, or these characters.
This is the fourth installment in the Major Crimes series, and let me be clear right away: this book is not a standalone. You really need to have read the previous books—otherwise, you’ll miss not only the storyline, but also the depth, emotional layers, and crucial background information.
Especially if, like me, you were left with questions and emotions after The Echo Man.
This fourth book focuses primarily on Cara Elliott. She is clearly at the center of it all. But of course, all the familiar faces are back as well.
The development of Cara—and of the other characters too—is strongly present and, in my opinion, brilliantly done. It felt raw and intense, and at times I truly had to pause and catch my breath. I could feel their pain, their fear, their helplessness. To me, this book elevates the characters to a whole new level, which made it all the more impressive.
The story itself is fast-paced, with a high tempo that never feels rushed. It’s suspenseful, full of detail (gruesome details are certainly not avoided), and the case that Cara and her team are working on is intense and nerve-racking. You’ll be on the edge of your seat the entire time, and once the killer gets uncomfortably close, that ticking clock truly starts to feel like a time bomb. The tension builds—both literally and figuratively.
And then there’s the plot. Sam has crafted something brilliant here. There are several unexpected twists that will make your heart race. It’s cleverly constructed, perfectly paced, and trust me: once you start, you won’t be able to put it down. It’s a page-turner from start to finish and, without a doubt, the best book in the series so far.
What hit me the most is how emotionally wrecked this book left me. I really hope there’s going to be a follow-up, because my heart needs to know whether these characters will ever recover from this case…
Conclusion
The Countdown Killer is by far my favorite in the Major Crimes series.
Not only is Sam Holland’s growth as an author clearly visible, but this book also provides answers to lingering questions and loose ends from the earlier books.
While reading, I screamed, I cried, and I held my breath more than once.
The pace was relentless, the characters brilliantly written, and the plot packed with surprising twists. I’m still speechless.
So yes—I’m a fan. This book completely consumed me, and I truly hope there’s more to come. I just can’t let go of this series, or these characters.
June 16, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
I will forever preach about this series 🙌🏼
I will forever preach about this series 🙌🏼
October 28, 2025
one of the better crime thrillers i’ve read tbf although scariest part about it was that it’s set in southampton
June 6, 2025
A man has been murdered and it was filmed live on camera and delivered on DVD to the police station. DCI Cara Elliot and is determined to get to the bottom of the Murders. When a police officer is taken the countdown is on to find him before the time runs out and he becomes another victim.
This book was brilliant and the best one in the series so far 😍 (they're all brilliant) A flew through this and just couldn't stop reading it was fast paced with so many twists and turns. I had no idea what to expect. I would highly recommend this series 🤩 (read them in order starting with The Echo Man)
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and Sam Holland for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was brilliant and the best one in the series so far 😍 (they're all brilliant) A flew through this and just couldn't stop reading it was fast paced with so many twists and turns. I had no idea what to expect. I would highly recommend this series 🤩 (read them in order starting with The Echo Man)
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK and Sam Holland for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2025
geweldig boek.... goed verhaal, goede moorden.....
July 25, 2025
1. Wish I realised it was a sequel
2. Gruesome
2. Gruesome
March 20, 2025
Ever since I read The Echo Man, the first book in the Major Crime series, I’ve been a HUGE fan of Sam Holland. She has a rare talent for crafting dark and deeply unsettling plots that grip you from the very start. I love my crime fiction brutal, chilling, and intense (definitely not for the faint-hearted) and Sam Holland never fails to deliver. The Countdown Killer is no exception. With its disturbing premise and relentless tension, I was hooked from the first chapter.
When a mysterious DVD arrives in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott presses play, only to witness a montage of brutal crimes. This is murder as entertainment, real-time executions streamed to an audience willing to pay for blood. Each murder is ruthlessly executed like clockwork every forty-eight hours. But when the killer realises they’re under investigation, they issue a terrifying warning: the next victim will be a police officer. In just forty-eight hours, the camera will turn on one of their own. The hunters have become the hunted, and time is running out…
While the plot may feel familiar to seasoned crime thriller readers, Sam Holland makes The Countdown Killer her own by masterfully building tension as each chapter leaves just enough unanswered questions to make it impossible to put down. The killer’s methodical approach, combined with the brutality of the crimes, create a chilling sense of malevolence that makes the danger feel imminent.I absolutely loved the gripping finale as it ties together intricate plot threads in the most shocking way.
With razor sharp writing, deeply layered characters, and jaw-dropping twists, Sam Holland delivers a dark, atmospheric thriller where every second feels like a ticking bomb. The Countdown Killer is relentlessly intense, brilliantly disturbing, and utterly unmissable.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
When a mysterious DVD arrives in the dead of night, DCI Cara Elliott presses play, only to witness a montage of brutal crimes. This is murder as entertainment, real-time executions streamed to an audience willing to pay for blood. Each murder is ruthlessly executed like clockwork every forty-eight hours. But when the killer realises they’re under investigation, they issue a terrifying warning: the next victim will be a police officer. In just forty-eight hours, the camera will turn on one of their own. The hunters have become the hunted, and time is running out…
While the plot may feel familiar to seasoned crime thriller readers, Sam Holland makes The Countdown Killer her own by masterfully building tension as each chapter leaves just enough unanswered questions to make it impossible to put down. The killer’s methodical approach, combined with the brutality of the crimes, create a chilling sense of malevolence that makes the danger feel imminent.I absolutely loved the gripping finale as it ties together intricate plot threads in the most shocking way.
With razor sharp writing, deeply layered characters, and jaw-dropping twists, Sam Holland delivers a dark, atmospheric thriller where every second feels like a ticking bomb. The Countdown Killer is relentlessly intense, brilliantly disturbing, and utterly unmissable.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
October 11, 2025
4.5 STARS This fourth book in the Major Crime series by British author Sam Holland is a dark, deadly and gruesome story about a serial killer who is out for revenge. They abduct their victims, hold them for 48 hours and then film their tortuous deaths.
DCI Cara Elliott and her team are back to solve this next case. This is the kind of series where the reader gets to know the cast well. Holland blends the lives of Cara's team into a well-plotted and tense psychological thriller, and it was nice to get reacquainted with them. Now they're on the hunt for a sadistic killer and the stakes are raised even higher when one of Cara's people is abducted.
Short chapters will keep readers turning the page and the culprit and their connection to the past was an interesting choice. My only beef is that some of Cara's decisions didn't feel in line with her role as a police detective and bordered on frustrating for me.
Due to connections to the first book, The Echo Man, I'd recommend reading that book before jumping into this one. You'll get a lot more out of Countdown Killer as some of the complicated bonds (and actions of some characters) are better understood when you have all the details.
This is a brutal story of revenge that doesn't shy away from detailing the horrific crimes, making it a good pick for fans of Jeffrey Deaver, Karin Slaughter, Linda Castillo and other authors who like a adding large helping of gore with their psychological thrillers.
DCI Cara Elliott and her team are back to solve this next case. This is the kind of series where the reader gets to know the cast well. Holland blends the lives of Cara's team into a well-plotted and tense psychological thriller, and it was nice to get reacquainted with them. Now they're on the hunt for a sadistic killer and the stakes are raised even higher when one of Cara's people is abducted.
Short chapters will keep readers turning the page and the culprit and their connection to the past was an interesting choice. My only beef is that some of Cara's decisions didn't feel in line with her role as a police detective and bordered on frustrating for me.
Due to connections to the first book, The Echo Man, I'd recommend reading that book before jumping into this one. You'll get a lot more out of Countdown Killer as some of the complicated bonds (and actions of some characters) are better understood when you have all the details.
This is a brutal story of revenge that doesn't shy away from detailing the horrific crimes, making it a good pick for fans of Jeffrey Deaver, Karin Slaughter, Linda Castillo and other authors who like a adding large helping of gore with their psychological thrillers.
December 23, 2025
De Countdown Killer van Sam Holland is het afsluitende deel in de serie die begint met De Echoman.
Inspecteur Cara Elliott heeft net een zaak afgerond als de volgende alweer binnen komt. Een vrouw komt 's avonds een dvd naar het bureau brengen en zegt dat ze hem niet meer in huis wil hebben. Cara besluit toch even te kijken... Dan ziet ze was er is opgenomen, een moord.
Al snel blijkt dat er meer dvd's zijn, allemaal moorden op bestelling en vastgelegd voor degene die het heeft besteld. Al snel duikt er een nieuw lichaam op, het wordt de onderzoekers letterlijk voor de voeten gegooid. En dan... vinden ze een connectie met Echoman. Maar die zit toch in de gevangenis?!
Dan breekt de hel los. Iedereen gaat als een gek aan het werk, maar de moordenaar gaat erg ver door Cara persoonlijk te raken. Het is een race tegen te klok. Een zenuwslopend einde en bij de laatste 100 bladzijden is het onmogelijk om het boek even weg te leggen, je moet weten hoe het zit.
Kortom, je moet dit boek lezen als je ooit aan deze serie begonnen bent. Je moet weten hoe het zit met alle moordenaars. Je moet weten hoe het eindigt met Cara en haar team. Helaas haalt niet iedereen levend het einde...
Ik kreeg dit boek van @worldofthrillers @harpercollins_holland dit heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed. Bedankt!
Inspecteur Cara Elliott heeft net een zaak afgerond als de volgende alweer binnen komt. Een vrouw komt 's avonds een dvd naar het bureau brengen en zegt dat ze hem niet meer in huis wil hebben. Cara besluit toch even te kijken... Dan ziet ze was er is opgenomen, een moord.
Al snel blijkt dat er meer dvd's zijn, allemaal moorden op bestelling en vastgelegd voor degene die het heeft besteld. Al snel duikt er een nieuw lichaam op, het wordt de onderzoekers letterlijk voor de voeten gegooid. En dan... vinden ze een connectie met Echoman. Maar die zit toch in de gevangenis?!
Dan breekt de hel los. Iedereen gaat als een gek aan het werk, maar de moordenaar gaat erg ver door Cara persoonlijk te raken. Het is een race tegen te klok. Een zenuwslopend einde en bij de laatste 100 bladzijden is het onmogelijk om het boek even weg te leggen, je moet weten hoe het zit.
Kortom, je moet dit boek lezen als je ooit aan deze serie begonnen bent. Je moet weten hoe het zit met alle moordenaars. Je moet weten hoe het eindigt met Cara en haar team. Helaas haalt niet iedereen levend het einde...
Ik kreeg dit boek van @worldofthrillers @harpercollins_holland dit heeft mijn mening niet beïnvloed. Bedankt!
June 2, 2025
This is a brilliant crime thriller that ties up some elements of previous books, so I’d recommend reading those first.
Cara can’t believe her eyes when she watches a DVD that has been delivered to the station, as it contains a snuff film.
Cara and the team are sickened by what they’ve seen and know they need to catch this killer quickly.
They have a few leads and soon realise this killer has struck many times in the past.
Things soon turn personal for Cara when people she knows and cares about are targeted, and even though she’s taken off the case, it doesn’t stop her following more leads.
This is a fast paced crime thriller with a few gruesome descriptions that add to story.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Cara can’t believe her eyes when she watches a DVD that has been delivered to the station, as it contains a snuff film.
Cara and the team are sickened by what they’ve seen and know they need to catch this killer quickly.
They have a few leads and soon realise this killer has struck many times in the past.
Things soon turn personal for Cara when people she knows and cares about are targeted, and even though she’s taken off the case, it doesn’t stop her following more leads.
This is a fast paced crime thriller with a few gruesome descriptions that add to story.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
November 14, 2025
Sam Holland did it again!
Cara Elliott en haar collega’s krijgen een tas vol dvd’s binnen op het politiekantoor. Op die filmpjes is te zie hoe mensen vermoord worden. Als ze dieper graven ontdekken ze dat alle slachtoffers op een of andere manier schuldig zijn aan een misdaad maar door het systeem niet hard zijn aangepakt en weer vrijgelaten of waarbij hun misdaad in een doofpot wordt gestopt.
Zowel Cara als Griffin dragen naast het politiewerk nog steeds de gevolgen van een vorige seriemoordenaar, De echoman. Dit heeft gevolgen voor hun familieband en heeft een heel grote invloed op hun werk als rechercheur . De personages worden goed uitgewerkt. Hun frustraties, hun emoties,…
Dit verhaal staat bol van spanning, heeft een aantal verrassende plottwist en zet vanalles ineens in een ander daglicht. Het verhaal is echt beeldend geschreven en is een ware pageturner. Voor mij is dit echt mijn favoriete boek in de serie.
Dit boek is zeker niet los te lezen. Om alles te vatten moet je de boeken op volgorde lezen. De 20 kan je wel apart lezen (wat mijn andere favoriet was).
Cara Elliott en haar collega’s krijgen een tas vol dvd’s binnen op het politiekantoor. Op die filmpjes is te zie hoe mensen vermoord worden. Als ze dieper graven ontdekken ze dat alle slachtoffers op een of andere manier schuldig zijn aan een misdaad maar door het systeem niet hard zijn aangepakt en weer vrijgelaten of waarbij hun misdaad in een doofpot wordt gestopt.
Zowel Cara als Griffin dragen naast het politiewerk nog steeds de gevolgen van een vorige seriemoordenaar, De echoman. Dit heeft gevolgen voor hun familieband en heeft een heel grote invloed op hun werk als rechercheur . De personages worden goed uitgewerkt. Hun frustraties, hun emoties,…
Dit verhaal staat bol van spanning, heeft een aantal verrassende plottwist en zet vanalles ineens in een ander daglicht. Het verhaal is echt beeldend geschreven en is een ware pageturner. Voor mij is dit echt mijn favoriete boek in de serie.
Dit boek is zeker niet los te lezen. Om alles te vatten moet je de boeken op volgorde lezen. De 20 kan je wel apart lezen (wat mijn andere favoriet was).
April 29, 2025
Dark, disturbing, and utterly addictive – The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland delivers a chilling ride from start to finish. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill police procedural. It’s gritty, graphic, and gloriously intense, and I couldn’t put it down. Naturally I have started the series with book number four, so now I have some more back list titles to add to my TBR.
DCI Cara Elliott is thrown into a waking nightmare when a DVD lands in her hands, showcasing a live murder. What follows is a twisted game orchestrated by a sadistic killer who’s not just methodical but horrifyingly interactive – accepting requests from viewers and broadcasting death like it’s entertainment. The concept is horrifyingly clever, and Holland doesn’t shy away from the psychological darkness at its core.
What really stood out to me was the pacing. The forty-eight-hour countdown for each kill creates this ever-present tension that had me racing through chapters, needing to know if the team would catch a break before the next victim met their fate. And when the killer turns their sights on the police? Game-changer. It amps everything up and suddenly, no one feels safe.
Cara Elliott is a fantastic lead – sharp, flawed, determined. I loved how the book didn’t just focus on the investigation but also gave us glimpses into her vulnerabilities and what drives her. The supporting cast was solid too, especially the dynamics within her team. You can feel the pressure they’re under, and it adds a real sense of urgency to the narrative.
This book does get dark – think serial killer thrillers with a seriously brutal edge – so it won’t be for the faint-hearted. But if you’re a fan of Chris Carter, M.W. Craven, or the more intense side of Karin Slaughter, this one’s absolutely in your wheelhouse.
The Countdown Killer is a tense, fast-paced thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s disturbing in all the right ways, and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Sam Holland. (And add her previous three books to my TBR!)
https://featzreviews.com/the-countdow...
DCI Cara Elliott is thrown into a waking nightmare when a DVD lands in her hands, showcasing a live murder. What follows is a twisted game orchestrated by a sadistic killer who’s not just methodical but horrifyingly interactive – accepting requests from viewers and broadcasting death like it’s entertainment. The concept is horrifyingly clever, and Holland doesn’t shy away from the psychological darkness at its core.
What really stood out to me was the pacing. The forty-eight-hour countdown for each kill creates this ever-present tension that had me racing through chapters, needing to know if the team would catch a break before the next victim met their fate. And when the killer turns their sights on the police? Game-changer. It amps everything up and suddenly, no one feels safe.
Cara Elliott is a fantastic lead – sharp, flawed, determined. I loved how the book didn’t just focus on the investigation but also gave us glimpses into her vulnerabilities and what drives her. The supporting cast was solid too, especially the dynamics within her team. You can feel the pressure they’re under, and it adds a real sense of urgency to the narrative.
This book does get dark – think serial killer thrillers with a seriously brutal edge – so it won’t be for the faint-hearted. But if you’re a fan of Chris Carter, M.W. Craven, or the more intense side of Karin Slaughter, this one’s absolutely in your wheelhouse.
The Countdown Killer is a tense, fast-paced thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. It’s disturbing in all the right ways, and I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more from Sam Holland. (And add her previous three books to my TBR!)
https://featzreviews.com/the-countdow...
October 5, 2025
I haven’t read a series in years and this year alone I finished a 4 parter? That’s how good Sam Holland is.
I think this was the strongest book so far, in terms of plot and character development both. All 4 books have had amazingly unique plots anyway, but this took it a step forward. I knew the character who died would die I just knew it, but I was not prepared for the eulogy.
Cant wait to read more by Holland.
I think this was the strongest book so far, in terms of plot and character development both. All 4 books have had amazingly unique plots anyway, but this took it a step forward. I knew the character who died would die I just knew it, but I was not prepared for the eulogy.
Cant wait to read more by Holland.
June 17, 2025
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 12, 2025
This book was a such a good pace and so easy to fly through. This whole series has been so readable…I hope there’s more to come!
September 11, 2025
I simply don’t understand how Sam Holland has only written this series and it is a fantastic series?! Echo Man as a debut was unbelievable, and here we are with book 4. Disturbing, dark, twisty and so addictive. A great end to the series.
November 24, 2025
Ik pak niet voor niets elk nieuw boek van Sam Holland op, want haar schrijfstijl is gewoon heel erg fijn. Het is vlot, met korte hoofdstukken waarbij ze steeds afwisselt tussen de personages, waardoor het echt heel moeilijk is om haar boeken weg te leggen. En wat ook tof is, je leest het steeds weer vanuit dezelfde personages. In mijn recensie van het vorige boek (De poppenmeester) schreef ik nog dat ik het misschien beter vond als Holland nieuwe personages of een nieuwe locatie zou introduceren, maar ik vond de terugkeer van Cara, Griffin en de rest juist een enorm pluspunt van dit boek. De personages worden nog verder uitgediept én oude bekenden uit de vorige boeken keren terug.
En net als haar andere boeken is dit weer een enorme originele invalshoek. Laat het maar aan Sam Holland over om een gruwelijke seriemoordenaar neer te zetten. Wel moet ik zeggen dat ik bepaalde plottwists wel echt van ver aan zag komen. Aan de ene kant zorgde dat voor een ander soort leesplezier, maar tegelijk wil je in een thriller natuurlijk wel verrast worden. En de onthulling van de moordenaar vond ik – als ik alleen naar dit deel kijk – heel tof, maar als ik het in het teken van de rest van de serie bekijk was het wel ongeloofwaardig.
Ik heb absoluut genoten, maar heb dus wel een beetje gemengde gevoelens over het feit dat dit een serie is. Qua verhaal is het niet geloofwaardig dat er zoveel gebeurt bij het politiebureau van de hoofdpersonages, maar qua ontwikkeling van de personages vond ik het wel genieten. Zoals ik al zei: mixed feelings.
Fans van Sam Holland zullen hun hart op kunnen halen, want dit is wederom een spannende, gruwelijke thriller. Yes, zet maar op je TBR hoor!
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op www.favoritez.nl.
En net als haar andere boeken is dit weer een enorme originele invalshoek. Laat het maar aan Sam Holland over om een gruwelijke seriemoordenaar neer te zetten. Wel moet ik zeggen dat ik bepaalde plottwists wel echt van ver aan zag komen. Aan de ene kant zorgde dat voor een ander soort leesplezier, maar tegelijk wil je in een thriller natuurlijk wel verrast worden. En de onthulling van de moordenaar vond ik – als ik alleen naar dit deel kijk – heel tof, maar als ik het in het teken van de rest van de serie bekijk was het wel ongeloofwaardig.
Ik heb absoluut genoten, maar heb dus wel een beetje gemengde gevoelens over het feit dat dit een serie is. Qua verhaal is het niet geloofwaardig dat er zoveel gebeurt bij het politiebureau van de hoofdpersonages, maar qua ontwikkeling van de personages vond ik het wel genieten. Zoals ik al zei: mixed feelings.
Fans van Sam Holland zullen hun hart op kunnen halen, want dit is wederom een spannende, gruwelijke thriller. Yes, zet maar op je TBR hoor!
Deze recensie verscheen eerst op www.favoritez.nl.
September 25, 2025
I did enjoy this, quite a lot in fact. However, the reminders of only the first case throughout were a bit repetitive and some of the things that happened felt like it was repeated from the previous books. The plot was good and the whodunnit wasn’t predictable. Highly recommend this series. 3.75⭐️.
June 6, 2025
The Countdown Killer was everything I hoped it would be!
I loved the revenge killings on camera storyline, every death had its own twisted specification, and they were all gory and darkly intriguing. Then, to top it all off, it looped back to the Echo Man and gave us a slightly bittersweet conclusion to Noah Deakin’s story.
As a reader, my only real complaints are personal preferences. I wish Jamie’s storyline had been different and there’s only so much moaning about being a bad mum from Cara I can have sympathy with especially as she never seemed to really try to be better. In addition, I think her impulsiveness without justification/reason is too much at times.
The biggest flaw, however, was Noah revealing too much to Cara. After being so tight-lipped, it felt out of place for him to give away obvious hints. It seemed like a convenient way to tie back into the Echo Man storyline, maybe a bit too lazily.
Despite these minor issues, this was my second favourite in the series. I really enjoyed how everything came together, and the darkness of the crimes was gripping!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Hemlock Press, and Sam Holland for approving my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the revenge killings on camera storyline, every death had its own twisted specification, and they were all gory and darkly intriguing. Then, to top it all off, it looped back to the Echo Man and gave us a slightly bittersweet conclusion to Noah Deakin’s story.
As a reader, my only real complaints are personal preferences. I wish Jamie’s storyline had been different and there’s only so much moaning about being a bad mum from Cara I can have sympathy with especially as she never seemed to really try to be better. In addition, I think her impulsiveness without justification/reason is too much at times.
The biggest flaw, however, was Noah revealing too much to Cara. After being so tight-lipped, it felt out of place for him to give away obvious hints. It seemed like a convenient way to tie back into the Echo Man storyline, maybe a bit too lazily.
Despite these minor issues, this was my second favourite in the series. I really enjoyed how everything came together, and the darkness of the crimes was gripping!
Big thanks to NetGalley, Hemlock Press, and Sam Holland for approving my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 5, 2025
This is book 4 in the Major Crimes series, following on from The Echo Man, The Twenty and The Puppet Master, and is the one that we’ve all been waiting for. Will the killer be revealed? Will they get their comeuppance?
I have absolutely loved the previous books in this series (especially The Echo Man) so I was really looking forward to this but also a little apprehensive as surely we all know how it’s going to go by now… we all know the killer it’s just whether they’re going to get away with it or not.
The level of gore from the previous books is still in this one but it is toned down slightly at times. It’s a binge worthy book, I read the entire second half in one sitting, staying up way past my bed time but hey ho - it’s been a while since a books had me that engaged! All of our favourite characters are back, Adam less so but he’s still there in the background, Cara, Griffin and Jamie are the big stars in this and they are just amazing characters. I don’t know if it’s just me but there’s still something I’m not quite sure with about Charlie though… he just gives me that uneasy feeling!
My only falling point in this was that I kinda guessed a lot of the reveals - I mean if you’ve read the others you already know the main one - but I even guessed some of the little ones. Maybe I’ve read too many thrillers - if there was such a thing 😜
I’m definitely intrigued to see what Sam’s going to come up with next as it’ll still be an auto buy for me
I have absolutely loved the previous books in this series (especially The Echo Man) so I was really looking forward to this but also a little apprehensive as surely we all know how it’s going to go by now… we all know the killer it’s just whether they’re going to get away with it or not.
The level of gore from the previous books is still in this one but it is toned down slightly at times. It’s a binge worthy book, I read the entire second half in one sitting, staying up way past my bed time but hey ho - it’s been a while since a books had me that engaged! All of our favourite characters are back, Adam less so but he’s still there in the background, Cara, Griffin and Jamie are the big stars in this and they are just amazing characters. I don’t know if it’s just me but there’s still something I’m not quite sure with about Charlie though… he just gives me that uneasy feeling!
My only falling point in this was that I kinda guessed a lot of the reveals - I mean if you’ve read the others you already know the main one - but I even guessed some of the little ones. Maybe I’ve read too many thrillers - if there was such a thing 😜
I’m definitely intrigued to see what Sam’s going to come up with next as it’ll still be an auto buy for me
April 11, 2025
Did I (silently) scream when I got approved for this book? YES. YES I DID. This series is one of my all-time favorite thrillers, and The Countdown Killer totally lived up to the hype. Actually, scratch that—it might be my favorite one yet. I was flying through the pages like my life depended on it. It was intense, suspenseful, and honestly impossible to put down.
This is book 4 in the Major Crimes series, and while the previous books can work as standalones, I’d definitely recommend reading The Echo Man (book 1) before diving into this one. There are major callbacks and connections that add so much depth to the story, and you'd be missing out if you skipped it.
What continues to blow me away is the character development - especially Cara and Griffin. After four books, you'd think we’d seen it all, but Sam Holland just keeps deepening their stories in such a satisfying, believable way. It’s rare to feel this invested in characters in a thriller series, but here we are.
And as always with Sam Holland, the pacing is spot-on. There’s literally no dull moment. His writing oozes tension—you can feel it in your bones. His books are like magnets: one page turns into five, turns into fifty, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Go mark June 5, 2025 in your calendars to get your own copy - ok just maybe clear your schedule first—you won’t want to stop once you start.
Many many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 4 in the Major Crimes series, and while the previous books can work as standalones, I’d definitely recommend reading The Echo Man (book 1) before diving into this one. There are major callbacks and connections that add so much depth to the story, and you'd be missing out if you skipped it.
What continues to blow me away is the character development - especially Cara and Griffin. After four books, you'd think we’d seen it all, but Sam Holland just keeps deepening their stories in such a satisfying, believable way. It’s rare to feel this invested in characters in a thriller series, but here we are.
And as always with Sam Holland, the pacing is spot-on. There’s literally no dull moment. His writing oozes tension—you can feel it in your bones. His books are like magnets: one page turns into five, turns into fifty, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
Go mark June 5, 2025 in your calendars to get your own copy - ok just maybe clear your schedule first—you won’t want to stop once you start.
Many many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews