The Ex

by M.I. Hattersley

What if your ex-boyfriend’s former lovers were all dying in mysterious circumstances, and you were next on the list?

Aspiring writer, Camille Fletcher is struggling to get by in the world after leaving university. But she has no idea how hard things are going to get….

First an old friend dies in tragic circumstances. Then another girl. And another. The police say there are no suspicious circumstances, they don’t see a link.

But what if there was a link?

What if the rumours are true, what if her ex-boyfriend was responsible?

When does she stop dismissing the rumours as the work of internet trolls and start believing them?

Because the police don’t know what Camille knows…

Despite her fears, she makes a choice. She’ll get to the bottom of the story herself, and expose her ex before he gets to her.

Now entangled in a twisted web of discovery, deceit and death, Camille must fight for her life and her sanity too if she’s to survive.

Or will this be one story she doesn’t live to tell?

Genres: Thriller

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2022

About the author

M. I. Hattersley was born in Yorkshire, UK. Over the last twenty years, he’s toured Europe in a rock 'n' roll band, trained as a professional actor, and founded a theatre and media company, none of which paid particularly well. To keep the lights on, he’s also held a long list of mind-numbing day jobs. He now writes psychological and domestic thrillers, which, fortunately, let him put all that experience with strange people and tense situations to good use.

Reviews

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "Ex" book had the X-factor.

Yes, this pacey "nerve-shredding domestic thriller" had a "factor" difficult to describe that made it special.

What's a protagonist to do when all of her ex-boyfriend's former lovers were all dying in mysterious circumstances?

Pop the popcorn and enjoy this popcorn thriller.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Hannah Genesius.

Hannah Genesius' performance was outstanding.

4.5 stars

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent read, though I found it a little boring and repetitive at times, despite the murderous content. The story centers on Camille, who learns that other ex-girlfriends of her boyfriend from university are dying in suspicious ways. She is sure that her ex is killing them and that she’s next, but no one is taking her seriously.

The premise of the book is really good and there are some definite creepy parts throughout, but I did feel that sometimes Camille’s inner monologue pulled me from the excitement, and there were parts that were repetitive. I figured out what was really going on pretty early in the book, but it was satisfying to be proven right, and the reveal also came with an unexpected twist. The ending of the book worked and tied up loose ends well.

Overall, I thought this was a decent read but maybe could do with a little more editing to keep the pace up. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Roz Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camellie realises that her ex-boyfriend Mark has a string of dead ex-girlfriends piling up behind him and she isn't sure if she will be next on the list!

This was a nicely paced story with characters that had something to hide. It felt like there were a few suspects to choose from! I liked Camillie although it took time for her to grow on me, I really enjoyed the relationship she had with Ant, who was such a good friend. I thought the dynamics between them really worked especially as they were trying to figure out what was going on.

The story comes together in a satisfying way and I suspected everyone but I certainly didn't guess the why! It was well written and had me turning the pages to find out what was going on.

I think lots of people will enjoy this one as it is easy to read, tense and fast-paced. Perfect for thriller lovers!

Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Natalie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 average.

The read started well enough, but petered out to repetitive dialogue delivered by flat characters. I found it easy to predict the twist (not the exact reason though) and managed to get to the end of this one.

Not my cup of tea.

[margaret pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Loved this book. From the very begging the characters are so well written you feel you know them. The story was fast paced and kept me gripped throughout. I guessed who the baddie was but certainly not the reason why. A great book from the beginning to the end. Can't wait for another book by this author

[Morag Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is just something about this book! It is a psychological thriller, with stalker and serial killer vibes.

Camille is a young woman with aspirations to make it as a writer but still awaiting her big break. She has grown apart from her college friends, who all seem to have made it big. She receives a phone call from one of the group, who advise her that another of the group has committed suicide. Camille soon realises that this makes the 3rd death in the row of women who were previously in a relationship with Mark, her university boyfriend. Camille becomes suspicious as to whether this link is coincidental or something more sinister, particularly as Mark is trying to break into politics and the clean cut image he needs to succeed is at odds with his darker treatment of the women he has dated. Could this be a story that will give Camille the break she has been seeking? Will she even make it out alive as she finds herself being followed home?!

These story is a bit of a tried and tested formula, but it is done so well it really works! I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to other titles from this author.

My thanks to net galley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.

[Sam Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
A good readable thriller with lots of twists and turns as Camille fights her way to reveal a killer that the police don't believe even exists. Only gave 3 stars as I had got to the bottom of the story way before our heroine.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camille Fletcher is an aspiring writer just trying to make it in the world after University. When an old friend of hers dies tragically, Camille is shocked. But when another girl dies, and then another, Camille is starting to see a connection. All of the women who have died were involved at some point with her ex-boyfriend. The police insist there is no foul play and these are all just tragic coincidences, Camille knows more than they do. Can she get to the bottom of this story or is she the next ex to die?

The Ex is one of those thrillers that while it is a commonly used trope in the thriller world, it is still interesting and kept me engaged. The pacing is pretty steady after a slower start and the tension builds nicely throughout. Camille is definitely flawed but I was 100% rooting for her. A couple of things that I didn't particularly like? It felt like there was some repetitive parts that weren't really necessary. Also a couple of the twists were a bit predictable but I have read a ton of thrillers so it's hard to find something that is completely unheard of for me. Overall, The Ex was a quick, fast-paced, domestic thriller that I would recommend for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Nicole Trope!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, M.I. Hattersley, and Embla Books for this ARC! Publication date is July 10th 2025.

[Lynsey Spedding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Camille Fletcher is a hopeful writer trying to make her mark in the world after finishing university. When a former friend of hers suddenly dies under tragic circumstances, Camille is left stunned. But as more women begin to die—each somehow linked to Camille’s ex-boyfriend—she starts to see a pattern. Despite the police ruling out foul play and insisting it’s all just unfortunate coincidences, Camille suspects otherwise. She may know more than they think. Can she uncover the truth, or is she destined to be the next victim?

The Ex is one of those thrillers that uses familiar tropes but still manages to entertain and hold your attention. Although it starts off a bit slow, the pacing improves and the suspense builds steadily throughout. Camille is a flawed character, but one I was fully behind.

There were a few aspects I wasn’t keen on—some parts felt repetitive and a couple of the twists were a bit predictable. However, that’s often the case with thrillers, and it didn’t take away too much from the overall experience.

In the end, The Ex is a fast-paced, engaging domestic thriller that I’d recommend to fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, and Nicole Trope.

Big thanks to NetGalley, M.I. Hattersley, and the publishers for the ARC!

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 this was pretty dang good!

This follows Camille who thinks that a serial killer is killing off her current boyfriend's ex-girlfriends...and she is afraid that she might be on the kill list. And the real kicker is that the police believe these deaths are all coincidental accidents or suicides.

Yes, some elements of this book were a bit repetitive and predictable, but once you've read enough thrillers, I find that can happen.

This was a fast-paced thriller that was entertaining from the start, it almost reminded me of Freida McFadden's The Boyfriend. If you like that book, I think you'd like this one.

I really enjoyed this, I think the only reason I'm giving it a 3.5/5 instead of a 4/5 is because of how repetitive it was at times. But due to how much I enjoyed this, I will definitely be checking out more books by this author! And I think that's always a good sign and one of the best compliments an author can get!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camille is an aspiring blogger and freelance journalist who hears about the tragic death of an old college friend. But this friend used to date Camille’s ex boyfriend Mark. Then, some days later another ex of Marks is dead, then another. But the police don’t believe these deaths are suspicious or linked but Camille is convinced otherwise. Then to add to add to her worries, Camille feels she’s being followed and is concerned she’ll be targeted next. Together with her housemate Anthony, and another Ex girlfriend, Lucy, they set out to uncover the truth. A brilliant page turner which I read in one sitting. Highly recommended. Thanks to the publisher and author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Megan Elliott]

This was such a gripping read!! There were moments in this book where I felt so tense, especially as there were a few scenes involving people being followed on their way home in the dark 😳

This is a really fast paced read which added to the tension. Some of the scenes felt a bit rushed which was a shame but the plot was so gripping it didn't really matter.

There was a twist at the end. I guessed the twist quite early on in the book so I felt like a detective when it turned out I was right 😂 maybe I've missed my calling 😅

This book is definitely worth a read! It gives you everything you want from a thriller! And I love the cover!

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚The Ex
✍️M.I. Hattersley
🎧Audiobook
3⭐️

Camille discovers that ex girlfriends of her university boyfriend are being found deceased in a variety of circumstances and fears she may be next. Unfortunately, not a lot happened during the book and I didn’t warm to any of the characters. The high points for me were the high stakes interactions between Camille and other key characters as these were emotionally charged and did show a different side to some of the minor characters. The outcome was completely left field and happened with no build up or gradual revelations, which was a bolt out of the blue (not necessarily in a good way).

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, a good paced thriller with a mystery to solve.
Camille determination to solve the link between deaths was great, i was with her 100%.
I had doubts about a few people but I sort of worked out where the book was heading but this didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
Lots of twists and turns kept me hooked and I was all in from the very beginning, a really good concept and storyline.
A first read from this author for me but will definitely be looking forward to reading more.

#Ad #LBTCrew #Bookstagram #FreeBookReview

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this fast paced read. The plot kept me hooked from the start, with well described characters and some good twists and turns to keep me guessing. There were moments when I wasn't sure who to trust, and although I managed to guess who the culprit was, the why completely surprised me!
I especially loved Camille's relationship with Ant — their determination to uncover the truth and find the killer, especially with the tension of knowing Camille might be next on the list.
If you enjoy twisty thrillers I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ex by M.I. Hattersley.
This was a good read. I did struggle to get into it. It did take me a few days to read it. I kept putting it down. I did like the cover. It's what drew me to sign up for this tour. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I didn't hate them but I didn't have any favourites. I like the writing style and the story. Even though I enjoyed the secrets we keep. This was a slow read for me.

[David Shapcott]

This is clever writing. By the time I hit the first plot point, I thought the author had revealed too much too soon. Everything seemed to be pointing that way right up until the third plot point. I had been entertaining ideas of how it might pan out, but the final reveal still came as a surprise. I will read more of his novels

[Ellen Aish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ex girlfriends are dropping like flies. The police say it's suicide but Cam (also an ex girlfriend) thinks it could be murder as it's too much of a co-incidence. This is a riveting read with a shock ending.

[Kelly McQuade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did this one as an audiobook and I LOVED the voice actress. Such a lovely accent, very much fit the book well.

I suspected the killer about halfway through, but still loved hearing it all come together.

Keeping this non-spoiler, so will keep it at that!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure this book lived up to the hype. It was an ok read, a bit repetitive and drawn out in parts, until the climax at the end which was a bit far-fetched.

[Richard Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Well done. Hard to put down.

Well,the author really did a masterful job on this book. Very well plotted and written. I will read more of this author' books.

[Katherine J. Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and gripping!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The person you are in love with ex’s are all perishing are you next?

[Ann Rominger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading keeping me intrigued with a surprise ending

[Judi Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I thought I might have had it sussed. Then it wasn’t who I thought it was. Enjoyed!

[John Avlakiotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable but i really had a good time reading this one...

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had me gripped, but the ending was a bit predictable. Camille hears about the deaths of other former girlfriends of Mark and investigates.

[Elaine Schmersahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripper book

Could not put this down. .surprisingly an ending that took me surprised. I like the author and plan to read more

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Jenny M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things in Camille's life starting taking a weird turn. When one of her ex-boyfriend's former girlfriends dies in suspicious circumstances, Camille makes the connection that this woman is not the only former girlfriend who has died in suspicious circumstances. Worried she might be next, Camille takes matters into her own hands after the police disregard her.

I enjoyed this one! All the characters have something to hide, making the suspect list large and keeping the reader guessing until the very end. It is a satisfying tale as the reader joins Camille in her search for answers. An easy read, well written, and fast-paced. Some of the twists were predictable but I read a lot of thrillers so not surprising. Some parts were slightly repetitive as well, but still a great read.

Thank you Embla Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.