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Make You Mine
The brand new psychological thriller from the Top 10 Sunday Times bestselling author You can run. You can hide. But you belong to me. It was the case of the decade. A 15-year-old girl on her way to school, vanished without a trace. The world feared the worst – but then, after months, she was discovered in a church crypt, lying alive beside the dead body of her kidnapper.
Now, 26 years later, Esmeralda Avelar has worked hard to leave her traumatic past behind. She has forged a new identity, and a new career as a police detective.
But the past refuses to stay buried. Because notorious serial killer Jason Thorne has escaped from his secure psychiatric hospital, and he has a new obsession… to find Esmeralda, the girl who got away, and make her his.
Readers love Claire Kendal's thrillers… 'Terrific, proper page-turning stuff' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Chillingly good' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely terrifying psychological thriller, which not only had me on the edge of my seat but gave me actual goosebumps' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Hard to put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Such an amazing, creepy, weird page turner! I was instantly hooked from the first page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant, all too believable read, I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Should come with a 'seriously addictive' warning..!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was hooked from page 1 and read in almost one sitting! … Well thought out, tense and darkly humorous at times' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now, 26 years later, Esmeralda Avelar has worked hard to leave her traumatic past behind. She has forged a new identity, and a new career as a police detective.
But the past refuses to stay buried. Because notorious serial killer Jason Thorne has escaped from his secure psychiatric hospital, and he has a new obsession… to find Esmeralda, the girl who got away, and make her his.
Readers love Claire Kendal's thrillers… 'Terrific, proper page-turning stuff' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Chillingly good' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An absolutely terrifying psychological thriller, which not only had me on the edge of my seat but gave me actual goosebumps' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Hard to put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Such an amazing, creepy, weird page turner! I was instantly hooked from the first page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A brilliant, all too believable read, I couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Should come with a 'seriously addictive' warning..!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was hooked from page 1 and read in almost one sitting! … Well thought out, tense and darkly humorous at times' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Published February 26, 2026
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About the author
Claire Kendal
7 books416 followersClaire Kendal's first novel was THE BOOK OF YOU. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. THE SECOND SISTER was published in 2017 and I SPY in 2019. Her fourth novel, MAKE YOU MINE, will be published in 2026. Claire teaches English Literature and Creative Writing, and lives in the South West of England with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Make You Mine – Claire Kendal
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Make You Mine follows Esmerelda, a survivor of a serial killer who is trying to move forward when she begins a new job as a detective, only to be thrown straight into a complex murder case on her very first day.
The victim is well known and quickly revealed to be far from innocent, immediately setting the tone for a layered and emotionally charged investigation.
As the case unfolds, missing memories from Esmerelda’s past begin to resurface, tying into the present in unsettling and compelling ways. This is not a simple detective story; it is packed with tension, carefully placed clues, and rich backstories that gradually come together in a very satisfying way.
This isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, yet I found myself fully invested. The writing is strong and engaging throughout, balancing suspense with character development, and the hint of a brighter future for Esmerelda and her family adds a hopeful note without undermining the darkness of the story.
A well written, emotionally layered crime novel I really enjoyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Make You Mine follows Esmerelda, a survivor of a serial killer who is trying to move forward when she begins a new job as a detective, only to be thrown straight into a complex murder case on her very first day.
The victim is well known and quickly revealed to be far from innocent, immediately setting the tone for a layered and emotionally charged investigation.
As the case unfolds, missing memories from Esmerelda’s past begin to resurface, tying into the present in unsettling and compelling ways. This is not a simple detective story; it is packed with tension, carefully placed clues, and rich backstories that gradually come together in a very satisfying way.
This isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, yet I found myself fully invested. The writing is strong and engaging throughout, balancing suspense with character development, and the hint of a brighter future for Esmerelda and her family adds a hopeful note without undermining the darkness of the story.
A well written, emotionally layered crime novel I really enjoyed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 28, 2025Twists that just kept coming!! I really enjoyed this one
I loved the characters the plot was so thought out and interesting with lots of twists to keep me completely engrossed! I know this book will live in my mind forever!
Detective books are my all time favourite and this one had a great spin I got to see it from the detective sides and the killers which i enjoyed.
I found the characters interesting they all had a solid background and story. I adored her dad he was definitely my favourite.
I loved the characters the plot was so thought out and interesting with lots of twists to keep me completely engrossed! I know this book will live in my mind forever!
Detective books are my all time favourite and this one had a great spin I got to see it from the detective sides and the killers which i enjoyed.
I found the characters interesting they all had a solid background and story. I adored her dad he was definitely my favourite.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
More than two decades ago, Esmeralda Avelar was known as Harriet Sapphire, a fifteen girl who was kidnapped and held for four months before she managed to overcome her captor and be freed. Now, she is newly hired detective constable and assigned to task for hunting Jason Thorne, a serial killer on the run. And Jason was obsessed with Harriet Sapphire and once he sees Esmeralda he is certain fate brought them together.
I've read The Book of You by Claire Kendal and thought it was interesting in many ways. First because a lot of it was written in second person point of view and second because it showed effectively how little stalked people can do about their stalkers. Now, Make You Mine is more of your usual thriller with short chapters and nonstop action. The premise is certainly more gripping, but it never ventures away from the staple structure of weekend thriller novel: there is a hook, there is a twist after twist and there is a satisfactory ending to the story. And that's mostly why it didn't work for me. It was just too trite for what I hoped it would be. There is no some hidden meaning to it, characters are not written to be complex and yes, it's far fetched in places.
- For me, the whole criminal investigation part was particularly hard to wrap my head around, because Esmeralda shouldn't be any near the investigation, mostly because it would become an issue later during the court procedure.
- I was not a fan of explanation of how fast Jason grew into tech wizard.
- Romance was my issue in previous book of hers, but here it was sufficient.
- simplified depiction of zeitgieist sociological issues with popular words like "incels" and "manospehere". And then proceeded with cartoonish representation of it.
-Precious child character. Liria was just badly written and later used as a tool in culmination of the novel in a very awkward way.
There was some interesting ideas I hoped Kendal would develop, like Thorne's honour code or Whistler's motivation but this novel is all about surface characterization. It aims to entertain first and foremost and if you are in for quick read that will never bore you, it's a good choice.
I would like to thank Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press and Claire Kendal for an advanced copy of Make You Mine. All opinions are my own.
I've read The Book of You by Claire Kendal and thought it was interesting in many ways. First because a lot of it was written in second person point of view and second because it showed effectively how little stalked people can do about their stalkers. Now, Make You Mine is more of your usual thriller with short chapters and nonstop action. The premise is certainly more gripping, but it never ventures away from the staple structure of weekend thriller novel: there is a hook, there is a twist after twist and there is a satisfactory ending to the story. And that's mostly why it didn't work for me. It was just too trite for what I hoped it would be. There is no some hidden meaning to it, characters are not written to be complex and yes, it's far fetched in places.
- For me, the whole criminal investigation part was particularly hard to wrap my head around, because Esmeralda shouldn't be any near the investigation, mostly because it would become an issue later during the court procedure.
- I was not a fan of explanation of how fast Jason grew into tech wizard.
- Romance was my issue in previous book of hers, but here it was sufficient.
- simplified depiction of zeitgieist sociological issues with popular words like "incels" and "manospehere". And then proceeded with cartoonish representation of it.
-Precious child character. Liria was just badly written and later used as a tool in culmination of the novel in a very awkward way.
There was some interesting ideas I hoped Kendal would develop, like Thorne's honour code or Whistler's motivation but this novel is all about surface characterization. It aims to entertain first and foremost and if you are in for quick read that will never bore you, it's a good choice.
I would like to thank Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | Hemlock Press and Claire Kendal for an advanced copy of Make You Mine. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A twisted cat and mouse police procedural thriller with a main character who becomes the obsession of a very dangerous man.
Firstly, wow. This is one of the best police procedurals I have read. I absolutely loved Claire’s style of writing. I was hooked from the very first page. I especially loved all the moving parts of the story and how everything slowly came together. It took me a second to get my head around some of the names, but that was probably a me issue rather than the book itself.
I also loved that this featured a touch of romance, just the right level to remind you that these characters are human and not robots. The female characters were strong and so well written. I really appreciated that it touched on relevant topics around violence against women and incel culture, which made it feel timely and grounded.
It kept me completely engaged and the last twenty percent had me flying through the pages with my heart in my chest. The dark obsession at the centre of the story was chilling, and our villain was utterly twisted in a way that felt disturbingly real. The author’s writing made it all play out like a movie in my mind and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I loved our strong female protagonist and the way she overcame such horrors. A gripping, intense read that I will not forget anytime soon.
Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for the arc
Firstly, wow. This is one of the best police procedurals I have read. I absolutely loved Claire’s style of writing. I was hooked from the very first page. I especially loved all the moving parts of the story and how everything slowly came together. It took me a second to get my head around some of the names, but that was probably a me issue rather than the book itself.
I also loved that this featured a touch of romance, just the right level to remind you that these characters are human and not robots. The female characters were strong and so well written. I really appreciated that it touched on relevant topics around violence against women and incel culture, which made it feel timely and grounded.
It kept me completely engaged and the last twenty percent had me flying through the pages with my heart in my chest. The dark obsession at the centre of the story was chilling, and our villain was utterly twisted in a way that felt disturbingly real. The author’s writing made it all play out like a movie in my mind and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I loved our strong female protagonist and the way she overcame such horrors. A gripping, intense read that I will not forget anytime soon.
Thank you to Netgalley & Harper Collins for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Make You Mine is a dark, gripping psychological thriller that digs deep into survival, obsession, and the long shadow of trauma. Claire Kendal doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable territory, and that’s what makes this such a compelling read. The emotional weight of the story lingers, especially in how it explores the lasting effects of fear and control. The pacing is fast and relentless, pulling you along from chapter to chapter with a constant sense of unease. The twists are well done—sharp without feeling forced—and the story never becomes predictable. Just when you think you understand where things are heading, Kendal manages to turn the narrative in a way that keeps you hooked. Although I didn’t realize this book was part of a series when I started, it didn’t affect my enjoyment at all. The story stands strongly on its own, and I had no trouble following the characters or the plot. Everything important is clear without feeling overexplained. Tense, unsettling, and expertly plotted, Make You Mine is a great read for fans of dark psychological thrillers who enjoy layered characters and stories that explore deep trauma without losing momentum. Definitely a page-turner and well worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow—this book had me absolutely gripped from start to finish! The premise alone is chilling: a girl kidnapped at 15, found alive months later beside her captor’s body, and now, decades later, the man who stole her childhood escapes and sets his sights on her again. It’s the kind of story that makes your heart race and your stomach twist in the best possible way.
Esmeralda is such a compelling character. I loved how the author explored her strength and vulnerability—she’s a survivor, but she’s also human, and that balance made her feel real. The tension builds beautifully, with every chapter pulling you deeper into the psychological cat-and-mouse game. Jason Thorne is terrifying, and the way his obsession lingers over the story gave me chills.
I couldn’t put this down. It’s dark, twisty, and full of surprises, but what really stood out to me was how emotionally charged it felt. If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you feel every ounce of danger, Make You Mine is a must-read.
with thanks to Claire Kendall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Esmeralda is such a compelling character. I loved how the author explored her strength and vulnerability—she’s a survivor, but she’s also human, and that balance made her feel real. The tension builds beautifully, with every chapter pulling you deeper into the psychological cat-and-mouse game. Jason Thorne is terrifying, and the way his obsession lingers over the story gave me chills.
I couldn’t put this down. It’s dark, twisty, and full of surprises, but what really stood out to me was how emotionally charged it felt. If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you feel every ounce of danger, Make You Mine is a must-read.
with thanks to Claire Kendall, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
January 27, 2026
Make You Mine by Claire Kendal is a very twisted psychological thriller, which begins when a 15 year old schoolgirl disappears on her way to school. Shen is later found in a crypt next to the dead body of her kidnapper, she remembers nothing of what happened to her during this time. Now 26 years later she is a police detective, having been a school teacher and then has her daughter.
She has a new identity since her kidnapping, Esmeralda Avelar and she is working in her first post, the kidnapping of a young woman. The notorious Jason Thorne the serial killer has escaped and is fixated on Esmeralda and is determined to have a loving relationship with her.
This is a very chilling and unpredictable story which has many twists and turns before the climax. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended
She has a new identity since her kidnapping, Esmeralda Avelar and she is working in her first post, the kidnapping of a young woman. The notorious Jason Thorne the serial killer has escaped and is fixated on Esmeralda and is determined to have a loving relationship with her.
This is a very chilling and unpredictable story which has many twists and turns before the climax. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Absolute Perfection. Claire Kendal sets a new gold standard!
I’m always on the hunt for a story that brings something unique to the table, but this book didn't just show up, it brought the entire spread, the blanket, and the deluxe hamper!
This is an absolutely gripping tension filled masterclass in psychological suspense.
We meet Esmeralda, a detective fuelled by her own past trauma as a kidnapping survivor, who finds herself hunted by an obsessed serial killer. The pace is relentless, and the characterization offers a rare depth that makes Esmeralda feel profoundly real.
Kendal expertly layers the plot, building to a finale that is as mind blowing and expertly executed as a tub of Amy’s ice cream. A must-read for anyone who loves a thriller with heart and bite.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is my own opinion.
Expected publication date 26 February.
I’m always on the hunt for a story that brings something unique to the table, but this book didn't just show up, it brought the entire spread, the blanket, and the deluxe hamper!
This is an absolutely gripping tension filled masterclass in psychological suspense.
We meet Esmeralda, a detective fuelled by her own past trauma as a kidnapping survivor, who finds herself hunted by an obsessed serial killer. The pace is relentless, and the characterization offers a rare depth that makes Esmeralda feel profoundly real.
Kendal expertly layers the plot, building to a finale that is as mind blowing and expertly executed as a tub of Amy’s ice cream. A must-read for anyone who loves a thriller with heart and bite.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is my own opinion.
Expected publication date 26 February.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jason Thorne is a dangerous man, a serial killer who truly believes that he is doing good things, sometimes for love, sometimes for protection. The author presents a side to the killer that I found absolutely fascinating, his depth of belief in his love for whoever he is fixated on at the time.
Unfortunately for Esmeralda, it's her.
Claire Kendal has created some great characters in Make You Mine and has managed the magic which makes a thriller spiral faster and faster as you get towards the end. Of course, as a reader, you are rooting for the good guys to win - but in truth, I felt sorry for Jason Thorne too.
A brilliant thriller, highly recommend. My thanks to the author, netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Unfortunately for Esmeralda, it's her.
Claire Kendal has created some great characters in Make You Mine and has managed the magic which makes a thriller spiral faster and faster as you get towards the end. Of course, as a reader, you are rooting for the good guys to win - but in truth, I felt sorry for Jason Thorne too.
A brilliant thriller, highly recommend. My thanks to the author, netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a brilliant crime/psychological thriller.
Esmeralda is excited to join the Police and is open about her past when she is interviewed. What she doesn’t expect is a twisted individual who becomes obsessed with her, and her survival following her abduction when she was a teenager.
She has changed her name but Jason Thorne recognises her. He is wanted in connection with several crimes, including murder and Esmeralda’s senior officers are concerned. All except one who seems to have a strong dislike for her, but she’s unsure why.
When Thorne makes contact with her she’s on her guard but it’s those closest to her that she’s most worried about.
This is a great thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Esmeralda is excited to join the Police and is open about her past when she is interviewed. What she doesn’t expect is a twisted individual who becomes obsessed with her, and her survival following her abduction when she was a teenager.
She has changed her name but Jason Thorne recognises her. He is wanted in connection with several crimes, including murder and Esmeralda’s senior officers are concerned. All except one who seems to have a strong dislike for her, but she’s unsure why.
When Thorne makes contact with her she’s on her guard but it’s those closest to her that she’s most worried about.
This is a great thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Perfect timing, I recently stumbled across Claire Kendal’s brilliant The Book Of You and was eager to read more of her books.
Esmeralda Avelar is a police detective, 26 years ago she was the 15 year old survivor found next to the dead body of her kidnapper. A notorious serial k*ller has escaped and is obsessed with tracking her down.
It’s got a lot of interesting elements, it reminded me of The Nothing Man (Catherine Ryan Howard) and Lucky Number 11 (Jess Kitching) with a similar survivor-centric slant.
It’s a solid thriller with some fresh angles. It didn’t quite match up to The Book Of You for me, but I’d still recommended it.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction
Esmeralda Avelar is a police detective, 26 years ago she was the 15 year old survivor found next to the dead body of her kidnapper. A notorious serial k*ller has escaped and is obsessed with tracking her down.
It’s got a lot of interesting elements, it reminded me of The Nothing Man (Catherine Ryan Howard) and Lucky Number 11 (Jess Kitching) with a similar survivor-centric slant.
It’s a solid thriller with some fresh angles. It didn’t quite match up to The Book Of You for me, but I’d still recommended it.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A chilling read that kept me glued to my seat. While a part of a series it can be read as a standalone. Which is what I did before realising it was a series. The pages kept turning as they are quick, fast paced chapters that hook you in.
The characters are interesting. The lead is a survivor, found after going missing next to the body of her kidnapper. A serial killer fixates on her, the one who got away. The POVs, especially if the serial killer are quite interesting. The cat and mouse chase kept me turning the pages, recommended for fans of thrillers.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
The characters are interesting. The lead is a survivor, found after going missing next to the body of her kidnapper. A serial killer fixates on her, the one who got away. The POVs, especially if the serial killer are quite interesting. The cat and mouse chase kept me turning the pages, recommended for fans of thrillers.
Thank you HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Hemlock Press and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
March 7, 2026
Claire Kendal does a brilliant job in her new thriller of treading that unsavoury terrain between 'love' and 'obsession' within a gripping, fast-paced and chilling storyline. There are plenty of twists in this highly convincing police procedural, weaving in background events where the author somehow manages to bring layer upon layer of emotional depth, complexity and even sensitivity. 'Make you Mine' is a book to either savour or romp through, as the short chapters entice you onwards in a claustrophobic web of twisty-turny suspense. I tried to pace myself, but I was reading the final page before I knew it! Highly recommended.
December 22, 2025
Make You Mine is a novel of great scope, telling of obsession and twisted love.
Esmeralda Avelar leaves her career as a teacher to become a detective. But she has a secret - a new identity following being abducted as a teenager. And when an escaped serial killer is seemingly obsessed by her, it seems there are more secrets to be revealed.
The plot is complex, spanning several time periods but is well handled. The surprise twists aren't all obvious and the novel keeps the attention, although the cast of supporting characters are all very one dimensional.
Esmeralda Avelar leaves her career as a teacher to become a detective. But she has a secret - a new identity following being abducted as a teenager. And when an escaped serial killer is seemingly obsessed by her, it seems there are more secrets to be revealed.
The plot is complex, spanning several time periods but is well handled. The surprise twists aren't all obvious and the novel keeps the attention, although the cast of supporting characters are all very one dimensional.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having survived being kidnapped at the age of 15, and held captive for 4 months by her kidnapper, a girl grows to adulthood and - with a change of name and a new career as a police constable - becomes involved in the case of a killer who was once obsessed with her younger self.
If this seems farfetched as a story idea, it is. But the writer gives you no time to ask too many questions, so strap in and enjoy the ride with its many twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
If this seems farfetched as a story idea, it is. But the writer gives you no time to ask too many questions, so strap in and enjoy the ride with its many twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
February 26, 2026
First things first, I would like to thank both Netgalley and also HarperCollins UK for this ARC!
I do not think I have read something by Claire Kendal before, but the blurb made me curious. I do have a thing for serial killers - only in fiction though, so no worries. Also, what can I say - I really did not regret picking this one up! It was a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game that made my heart leaping into my throat while I was turning page after page after page - and damn that was really a long ride with roughly 400 pages. But still worth it. Very much recommended!
I do not think I have read something by Claire Kendal before, but the blurb made me curious. I do have a thing for serial killers - only in fiction though, so no worries. Also, what can I say - I really did not regret picking this one up! It was a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game that made my heart leaping into my throat while I was turning page after page after page - and damn that was really a long ride with roughly 400 pages. But still worth it. Very much recommended!
March 22, 2026
Claire Kendal weaves a tangled web in this super charged game of cat and mouse. A relentless pace, a feisty rookie detective and a twisted serial killer make for a compelling and addictive read. Jason Thorne is a chilling yet highly fascinating character and expertly portrayed by the author. Esmeralda is the object of his desire and another excellent and realistic character. Dark, gripping and twisty, Make You Mine is an absolute cracker of a book and Ms Kendal has found herself a new fan!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This gripped me from the start, it was dark and intense. I enjoyed knowing who the bad characters were, but still having things to question and links to make, so the twists couldn’t be predicted as easily. The chapters from the past were well placed, and the investigation was mostly fast paced. Overall a great read, but I felt like it needed a harder hitting ending.
March 22, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Fast paced enough with a few twists and some likeable characters
Told from multiple points of view, but mostly Esmeralda, a detective who was kidnapped and held hostage at the age of 15.
She is brought in by the High Crimes Unit as 'bait' to lure escaped mass killer Jason Thorne out of hiding and to stop his avenging kills.
Well worth a read
Told from multiple points of view, but mostly Esmeralda, a detective who was kidnapped and held hostage at the age of 15.
She is brought in by the High Crimes Unit as 'bait' to lure escaped mass killer Jason Thorne out of hiding and to stop his avenging kills.
Well worth a read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Make you Mine is a gripping psychological thriller that dives deep into the themes of survival, trauma and resilience. I really enjoyed the twists and turns and the holding my breath moments .Excellent story from beginning to end .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book draws you in from the outset, you won't want to stop reading. Esmerelda, a police officer who was formerly a kidnap victim, gets drawn into a kidnapping turned murder case similar to her own. Will solving the current crimes help her understand the past? A great read, I really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy
Predicted part of the story but really enjoyed how the story developed. Had good level of emotion and kept me interested throughout. Would recommend
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Make You Mine is one of those thrillers where, if you ever stopped to reflect on the plot, you’d realise it’s completely unhinged… but the book never actually gives you the chance. Claire Kendal’s writing drags you straight into the moment and keeps you there, hooked, breathless, and happily ignoring how wild everything really is. The characters feel so vivid and the pacing so sharp that stepping back isn’t even an option. A brilliantly addictive read — I was swept along and loved every second.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(I realise I can’t actually give it ten stars, though it’s very tempting.)
I didn’t realise when requesting “Make You Mine” that it’s technically the second book in a series, following “The Second Sister”. I’m not entirely sure how much relevance that has, though I never once found myself thinking what am I missing?—which tells me “Make You Mine” works perfectly well as a standalone.
In fact, the only reason I even know there’s a connection is because finishing this left me wanting to read more of Claire Kendal’s work.
This was thoroughly engaging and written in such an immersive way that I genuinely struggled to put it down. I actually caught myself slowing my reading at one point, simply because I didn’t want it to be over yet—and I always think that’s the mark of a really good book.
This is not a formulaic thriller written by rote, ticking boxes or relying on cheap shocks. “Make You Mine” feels far more assured than that, sitting confidently somewhere between a police procedural and a literary thriller—and honestly, that sweet spot is very much my thing.
Brava, Claire Kendal—please never stop writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and may be found on Goodreads, Amazon, and NetGalley.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the DRC of “Make You Mine” by Claire Kendal.
“Make You Mine” will be published and available on Amazon on 26 February 2026.
(I realise I can’t actually give it ten stars, though it’s very tempting.)
I didn’t realise when requesting “Make You Mine” that it’s technically the second book in a series, following “The Second Sister”. I’m not entirely sure how much relevance that has, though I never once found myself thinking what am I missing?—which tells me “Make You Mine” works perfectly well as a standalone.
In fact, the only reason I even know there’s a connection is because finishing this left me wanting to read more of Claire Kendal’s work.
This was thoroughly engaging and written in such an immersive way that I genuinely struggled to put it down. I actually caught myself slowing my reading at one point, simply because I didn’t want it to be over yet—and I always think that’s the mark of a really good book.
This is not a formulaic thriller written by rote, ticking boxes or relying on cheap shocks. “Make You Mine” feels far more assured than that, sitting confidently somewhere between a police procedural and a literary thriller—and honestly, that sweet spot is very much my thing.
Brava, Claire Kendal—please never stop writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and may be found on Goodreads, Amazon, and NetGalley.
My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the DRC of “Make You Mine” by Claire Kendal.
“Make You Mine” will be published and available on Amazon on 26 February 2026.
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