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Her Quiet Place
A domestic thriller of obsession, mind games and psychological manipulation.
'It was her favourite place in the world… until they ruined it.'
Hannah is a shadow of her former self. Since her husband’s suicide two years ago, she has been stuck in a dark place. She is an alcoholic and a drug abuser, consumed by despair and spiralling towards self-destruction. That is until he enters her life and changes everything.
Her new man, a charming police detective called Max Hudson, might just give Hannah a reason to get up in the morning. He gives her hope, and now she thinks she might be falling for him.
Louisa should be concentrating on her final year at school, but instead, she’s started getting involved in her parents’ personal affairs. She’s certain her dad is seeing another woman, and her mum seems content to be treated like a complete doormat.
Hannah begins to see a different side to Max, one she doesn’t much like. At times, it’s almost as if he has a split personality. He’s not the person she thought he was.
Louisa is determined to uncover what her dad is up to, but she knows she has to tread carefully. He might be a top police detective, but there’s something about him that unnerves her. Deep down, she senses a troubling darkness in him, and her mum is acting stranger than ever.
As Max’s behaviour grows increasingly disturbing, Hannah realises she needs to cut the volatile man out of her life for good. She starts digging into his past, hoping to uncover some dirt on him. But, like Louisa, she’s venturing down a dangerous path.
A terrible secret from the early ’90s holds the key to uncovering the twisted truths of today. A love triangle between three messed-up teenagers led to betrayal and deadly consequences, with repercussions that still echo in the present.
But how far will Max go to keep his past buried, and how much will Hannah risk to uncover the truth?
"I gasped at this book so many times. This was an absolute thriller!" – Goodreads Reviewer.
'It was her favourite place in the world… until they ruined it.'
Hannah is a shadow of her former self. Since her husband’s suicide two years ago, she has been stuck in a dark place. She is an alcoholic and a drug abuser, consumed by despair and spiralling towards self-destruction. That is until he enters her life and changes everything.
Her new man, a charming police detective called Max Hudson, might just give Hannah a reason to get up in the morning. He gives her hope, and now she thinks she might be falling for him.
Louisa should be concentrating on her final year at school, but instead, she’s started getting involved in her parents’ personal affairs. She’s certain her dad is seeing another woman, and her mum seems content to be treated like a complete doormat.
Hannah begins to see a different side to Max, one she doesn’t much like. At times, it’s almost as if he has a split personality. He’s not the person she thought he was.
Louisa is determined to uncover what her dad is up to, but she knows she has to tread carefully. He might be a top police detective, but there’s something about him that unnerves her. Deep down, she senses a troubling darkness in him, and her mum is acting stranger than ever.
As Max’s behaviour grows increasingly disturbing, Hannah realises she needs to cut the volatile man out of her life for good. She starts digging into his past, hoping to uncover some dirt on him. But, like Louisa, she’s venturing down a dangerous path.
A terrible secret from the early ’90s holds the key to uncovering the twisted truths of today. A love triangle between three messed-up teenagers led to betrayal and deadly consequences, with repercussions that still echo in the present.
But how far will Max go to keep his past buried, and how much will Hannah risk to uncover the truth?
"I gasped at this book so many times. This was an absolute thriller!" – Goodreads Reviewer.
376 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
57 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Robert W. Kirby
15 books49 followersI was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals.
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels in 2021. My first novel, The Tests, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title, The Wrong Girl.
If you enjoy dark crime fiction and intense psychological thrillers, don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter so you can find out about new releases, book deals, and giveaways. All subscribers receive a free copy of my novella, Survival Weekend. (eBook or Audio version) https://www.robertkirbybooks.com/subs...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 16, 2025
This was a truly exceptional book. It had me hooked from the first chapter all the way through to the last, I often found myself reading late into the night because I didn't want to put it down. There are some great twists and turns and everytime I thought I had the book figured out came a new twist that had me rethinking everything. If you like a good mystery that really makes you think, give this book a try, you won't be disappointed.
July 23, 2025
Could not put this down and read it in 1 day. The story alternates between the present time and the past. The author keeps us waiting to see how the present and past connect. There are many twists and turns and a big twist at the end. I will definitely be reading him again.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC book for a voluntarily and honest review.
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC book for a voluntarily and honest review.
July 17, 2025
Wow I only downloaded this this afternoon and I've already finished it. What a book. So very cleverly written. It's yo yos from the present day to the past . To the early 90s where it all began . We meet Hannah, who is left in a state of turmoil; heartbreak and grief after losing her husband to a awful suicide. She's now an alcohol and drug user. Then she meets Max a very Charming police detective. At first Hannah thinks she might have hope in her new found relationship. But all is not what it's seems for Max , or Hannah or anyone else in the pairs lives. In what unravels is a sick and twisted love triangle. A gripping read of love, tragedy, revenge; murder and the best murder mystery I've read in a while. 5 star read and a fantastic book to get lost in for a few hrs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
Her Quiet Place by Robert Kirby is a masterclass in psychological suspense. From the very first page, I was drawn into Hannah’s dark, unraveling world—and once the plot twists started hitting, my anxiety went through the roof in the best way possible.
Hannah, broken by grief and addiction, is clinging to a dangerous kind of hope when Max Hudson, a seemingly perfect police detective, enters her life. But appearances are deceiving, and Kirby peels back the layers with chilling precision. Every time I thought I had Max figured out, the story twisted again, making me second-guess everything.
Louisa’s perspective adds another sharp edge to the tension. Her gut instincts about her father—and her brave determination to uncover the truth—kept me holding my breath. There’s a creeping dread that builds with each chapter, especially as the narrative begins to dig into a buried secret from the 1990s that ties the entire story together.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. The pacing is relentless, the characters deeply flawed and compelling, and the ending—wow. I had to sit with it for a minute before I could even process what I’d just read.
If you love domestic thrillers that make your heart pound and keep you guessing, Her Quiet Place is a must-read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hannah, broken by grief and addiction, is clinging to a dangerous kind of hope when Max Hudson, a seemingly perfect police detective, enters her life. But appearances are deceiving, and Kirby peels back the layers with chilling precision. Every time I thought I had Max figured out, the story twisted again, making me second-guess everything.
Louisa’s perspective adds another sharp edge to the tension. Her gut instincts about her father—and her brave determination to uncover the truth—kept me holding my breath. There’s a creeping dread that builds with each chapter, especially as the narrative begins to dig into a buried secret from the 1990s that ties the entire story together.
This isn’t just a thriller; it’s an emotional rollercoaster. The pacing is relentless, the characters deeply flawed and compelling, and the ending—wow. I had to sit with it for a minute before I could even process what I’d just read.
If you love domestic thrillers that make your heart pound and keep you guessing, Her Quiet Place is a must-read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
I found this book intriguing, definitely a slow burner but with enough interest to also be classed as a page turner. It really caught my interest as I began to piece together the different characters and their roles in the emerging plot lines. I found them to be connected in a spiralling and clever, if at times shocking, display of the human condition. I would recommend this read, but possibly not as a comfortable bedtime treat.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 14, 2025
Robert W. Kirby has penned a definitive page turner.!
Original writing flow.
Storyline will draw you in until the last page.
Original writing flow.
Storyline will draw you in until the last page.
July 25, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I finished this book in an entire afternoon because I could not put it down! The plot evolves so quickly and the alternative timeline helps make sense of the past and why characters are doing what they do in the present. I gasped at this book so many times. This was an absolute thriller! I was trying to figure it all out before it ended and as so engrossed at every chapter. Chloe and Rosie were friends until they weren’t because of a guy. In the present, Hannah is a widow who meets a charming guy who turns out to be pretty scary. As the plot unfolds you see how people are connected and I truly was afraid for what other chaos could happen. Amazing read!
October 12, 2025
A disturbing, shocking thriller by Robert W. Kirby that reeled me in from the start. Its tense storyline is told through three character points of view. Hannah was by far my favourite character; floored by grief after her husband’s suicide, she falls into a downward spiral of drug addiction and booze, but as the story moves forward, develops determination and guts. Her relationship with policeman, Max, is intriguing, perhaps the electrifying jolt Hannah needs to pull her out of the doldrums - except Max is a psychopath, a controlling and truly despicable character I came to loath.
Max however, is part of another historic back story, one that takes place in 1993. Set in a remote country holiday spot in the West Country, we meet Rosie, who initially comes across as a gentle, yet flawed character, desperate to elevate her status by inviting best friend, Chloe. Eager to show off Max, her boyfriend, her plan disintegrates when Chloe seduces Max just to prove that she can, resulting in rivalry, betrayal and revenge.
Then, linking past and present, we experience the story through Louisa’s eyes, teenage daughter of Max. I thought this perspective was clever as you get a sense that her parents’ marriage is failing, leading Louisa and her brother to start their own investigation. Her father is acting suspiciously, spends days away from the family home, is a control freak and treats their mother like dirt; yet Mum seems strangely detached, oblivious and in denial. Short chapters and storylines which alternate between the three characters make this a captivating read, and every time I put it down, I could not wait to pick it up again. I mean, surely Louisa’s mum must be one of the teenage girls from the past, but which one? And what dark secret binds them all?
Be warned, the conclusion when all 3 storylines converge is explosive and horrific, but for those who love a twisty, psychological thriller, this I highly recommend.
Max however, is part of another historic back story, one that takes place in 1993. Set in a remote country holiday spot in the West Country, we meet Rosie, who initially comes across as a gentle, yet flawed character, desperate to elevate her status by inviting best friend, Chloe. Eager to show off Max, her boyfriend, her plan disintegrates when Chloe seduces Max just to prove that she can, resulting in rivalry, betrayal and revenge.
Then, linking past and present, we experience the story through Louisa’s eyes, teenage daughter of Max. I thought this perspective was clever as you get a sense that her parents’ marriage is failing, leading Louisa and her brother to start their own investigation. Her father is acting suspiciously, spends days away from the family home, is a control freak and treats their mother like dirt; yet Mum seems strangely detached, oblivious and in denial. Short chapters and storylines which alternate between the three characters make this a captivating read, and every time I put it down, I could not wait to pick it up again. I mean, surely Louisa’s mum must be one of the teenage girls from the past, but which one? And what dark secret binds them all?
Be warned, the conclusion when all 3 storylines converge is explosive and horrific, but for those who love a twisty, psychological thriller, this I highly recommend.
August 26, 2025
I’ve rated this book using the CAWPILE method of rating books. This book averages a three star rating, .1 away from a four star rating. So I’m going to round up to a four star rating.
CHARACTERS- 7.5/10
The characters are believable and well written. I didn’t feel like I was genuinely rooting for any character, though.
ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 6.5/10
Setting was well described, but the atmosphere felt a little flat. I don’t think I was creeped out at any point.
WRITING STYLE- 7.5/10
I like the writing style, but as a pet peeve, I don’t like when the dialogue is in ‘this style’ rather than “this style”.
PLOT- 7.5/10
Plot was solid and well thought out. I loved the jump between past and present. However, I had already guessed the twist probably about 20-30 percent in and that made it less enjoyable.
INTRIGUE- 6/10
Like I said, I figured it out pretty early so that made the intrigue lessen quite a bit.
LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 6.5/10
The relationships in this didn’t make sense to me. A lot of times the characters said or did something that made no sense to their character. Other things about the characters didn’t make sense but I don’t want to put any spoilers.
ENJOYMENT- 7/10
For the most part I enjoyed this. If I hadn’t guessed the end I would’ve enjoyed it more, but what can you do? This book is pretty a pretty solid choice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CHARACTERS- 7.5/10
The characters are believable and well written. I didn’t feel like I was genuinely rooting for any character, though.
ATMOSPHERE/SETTING- 6.5/10
Setting was well described, but the atmosphere felt a little flat. I don’t think I was creeped out at any point.
WRITING STYLE- 7.5/10
I like the writing style, but as a pet peeve, I don’t like when the dialogue is in ‘this style’ rather than “this style”.
PLOT- 7.5/10
Plot was solid and well thought out. I loved the jump between past and present. However, I had already guessed the twist probably about 20-30 percent in and that made it less enjoyable.
INTRIGUE- 6/10
Like I said, I figured it out pretty early so that made the intrigue lessen quite a bit.
LOGIC/RELATIONSHIPS- 6.5/10
The relationships in this didn’t make sense to me. A lot of times the characters said or did something that made no sense to their character. Other things about the characters didn’t make sense but I don’t want to put any spoilers.
ENJOYMENT- 7/10
For the most part I enjoyed this. If I hadn’t guessed the end I would’ve enjoyed it more, but what can you do? This book is pretty a pretty solid choice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2025
Great psychological thriller with so many POV's to give that extra WOW factor! This book truly did not disappoint. Told by different characters in different years, you can't help but want to continue to see how they match up; and boy when the do - BANG! You are fully submerged in chaos, craziness and absolute answers to your questions! I agree with other reviews that this is a slow burn, but it is done in a way that keeps you hooked and wanting more with each chapter. This author truly has a gift and I cannot wait to read more, especially if they are anything like this one! If you like thrillers with twists that leave you speechless, you will not be disappointed with this book!
I want to thank Hidden Gems for giving me this book as an ARC!
I want to thank Hidden Gems for giving me this book as an ARC!
August 14, 2025
This story had me intrigued from the start, but a little confused after the first chapter. It all came together with the switching from past to present.
There were plenty of twists happening with this story and just when you think you have it worked out, it changes.
I kept turning the pages wanting to know how this was going to turn out and I was not disappointed.
This is definitely a thriller.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
There were plenty of twists happening with this story and just when you think you have it worked out, it changes.
I kept turning the pages wanting to know how this was going to turn out and I was not disappointed.
This is definitely a thriller.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 13, 2025
She lost her husband two years ago and has declined into a spiral of drugs and sadness when he comes along. Life starts to look up but she begins to suspect there is something more to him. She will try to find out more about him but it may be dangerous as well. See how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was pulled into her hunt for the truth
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was pulled into her hunt for the truth
August 16, 2025
Kirby did an amazing job weaving the different narrators together. It took awhile for the story to kick in, but once it did, it took off. The slow character build up did allow for the characters to be developed in great detail. The loose ends were all tied up and handled well. The ending was definitely unexpected and I did not see it coming. I would gladly read another book that this author.
August 13, 2025
Great read! Could not put it down, definitely worth the read!
Read
September 18, 2025DNF too many time switchbacks, not done well.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews