Who Can you Trust (#4 in Cristy Ward Series) by Susan Lewis

                                       

Ebook:  384 pages 

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction, Adult Fiction, Mystery 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (9thApril 2026)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentence:  Most people walked a little faster when passing 42 Randall Lane, picking up the pace as if something about the house might somehow be rotten or contagious or was waiting to spring outing get them.

Review Quote:  'Plenty of twists to keep you guessing' Heat

My Opinion: 

Susan Lewis is a prolific author writing across a broad range of genre, crime thrillers, suspense and family drama. I have been reading and enjoying her books on and off for over twenty five years now.

'Who Can You Trust' is the fourth title in the series about "hindsight" a podcast with the protagonists Cristy and Connor. This time they are investigating a suspected miscarriage of justice concerning a young woman convicted of murdering her baby twins some twenty years ago. The investigation is not an easy one and it impacts on the characters working and personal lives. It was great to catch up with the many familiar characters as they worked on another fascinating case.

Although this novel will read well as a stand alone story, I would recommend reading the whole series in order for maximum enjoyment and understanding of the relationships between the characters. Definitely recommend to fans of the series, the author and mysteries in general.

With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review

Previous Reviews:  A Sicilian Affair.  Don't Believe A Word  Nothing to See Here 

Never Look Back

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Book 4 in the Cristy Ward series

A terrible crime. A shocking confession. Do you believe her?

Twenty years ago, Nicole’s twins disappeared without a trace.

No bodies. No witnesses.

Despite her pleas of innocence, Nicole was convicted.

Now she’s out. And she’s finally confessed.

But for true crime podcast host Cristy Ward, the story doesn’t add up.

Having worked on the case as a young reporter, Cristy can’t help but wonder whether Nicole is the villain everyone believes her to be.

Why did Nicole confess after so many years … and is the truth still out there, waiting…?

Author Profile:         

                                                                         

                                                                                 

                                               Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors  Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

 Official Author Website  Twitter Profile   Instagram Profile   Facebook Profile 

Amazon Profile    Goodreads Profile

Never Look Back (#3 in Christy Ward Series) by Susan Lewis

                                                           

Ebook:  320 pages 

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction,  Adult Fiction, Mystery 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (6 Nov 2025)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentence: 'I think my love, that I might have come up with a way out of the unfortunate situation we're in'

Review Quote:  Its a brilliantly written novel and has characters full of intrigue. Highly recommended Reader Review 

My Opinion: 

It is over twenty-five years ago that I first read a novel by Susan Lewis and I have continued to read her writing from time to time over the years. She is a prolific author, who writes across a broad range of genre, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. 

'Never Look Back' sees the return for a third story of podcasters Christy and Connor and their team with another mystery for 'Hindsight' their podcast. This time the company has been approached by a friend, as a close friend of their family has disappeared. they are worried about her safety as her behaviour is very out of character. Christy and Connor have doubts about the suitability of this live case for 'Hindsight' but curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to try and unravel the mystery.

In inevitable Susan Lewis style this cautionary tale for our times will keep you guessing and the use of Artificial Intelligence is particularly disturbing! Although the books in this series stand alone, reading them all in order enhances the understanding of the relationships between the characters. Recommended to those readers following the series, fans of mystery and the authors many fans.

Thanks to Net Galley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Previous Reviews:  A Sicilian Affair.  Don't Believe A Word Nothing to See Here

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

A dead husband. A missing wife. Will they find her in time?

Romy Kaplan has vanished from her home.

Or has she?

When Romy begins posting on her social media accounts asking everyone to stop looking for her, the police are certain she is safe. But Romy's nearest and dearest are far from convinced.

Her husband died in the bath under inconclusive circumstances six weeks ago. And Romy would never disappear without telling someone where she is going.

As true crime podcast host, Cristy Ward, picks up Romy's case… she has the whole world asking…

Where is Romy now?

Author Profile:         

                                                                         

                                      

                                               Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors  Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

 Official Author Website  Twitter Profile   Instagram Profile   Facebook Profile 

Amazon Profile    Goodreads Profile

Don't Believe A Word by Susan Lewis

                                              

Ebook:   480 pages 

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction,  Adult Fiction, Mystery 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (10 April 2025)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentences: "And you found this, where' Christy asked, looking up from the pages she'd just spent the past few minutes reading, pages that had taken her briefly to another world where clearly something wasn't right. She already wanted to know more.

Review Quote: ‘Drips with tension and suspicion.  Mind games, mystery and mayhem.’ Reader Review 

My Opinion: 

It is over twenty-five years ago that I first read a novel by Susan Lewis and I have continued to read her writing from time to time over the years. She is a prolific author, who writes across a broad range of genre, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. 

'Don't Believe A Word' sees the return of podcasters from Nothing to See Here, Christy and Connor and their team with another mystery for 'Hindsight' their podcast. This time the company has been approached by Sadie, a young woman who believes they may have the ingenuity to investigate who she really is!

Once again great character portrayal from Susan Lewis and a substantial read that will certainly keep you guessing. I am delighted that the author decided to feature these characters in a second novel and was also pleased to learn that a third story in the series Never Look Back is due to be published towards the end of this year.  The two novels published so far definitely stand alone however reading the series enhances the understanding of the relationships of the many characters.  Highly recommended to anyone that enjoys a good mystery.

Thanks to Net Galley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Previous Review:  A Sicilian Affair.  Nothing to See Here

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

They raised me. Nurtured me. And lied about everything.

Sadie’s childhood has always been shrouded in mystery.

But there are three things she knows.

She was raised by two aunts.

She never knew her parents.

She is convinced she was stolen.

Cristy Ward, podcast host, is gripped by Sadie’s story. It’s perfect for her next true-crime investigation. Yet Sadie's aunt claims it’s all a fantasy.

As the evidence begins to stack up, and the lies fall apart, they all could be in a lot more danger than they thought…

Author Profile:         

                                                                         

                                      

                                                     Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors  Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

 Official Author Website  Twitter Profile   Instagram Profile   Facebook Profile 

Amazon Profile    Goodreads Profile

Nothing to See Here by Susan Lewis

                                             

Ebook:   506 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Fiction, Crime, Thriller, 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (21 Nov. 2024)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentences: Cristy Ward was engrossed in her task and not giving a moment's thought to how she looked or was being perceived.

Review Quote: 'Gripping. All through the book I had it in my head who I thought the killer was and was completely shocked to find out the truth. Absolutely amazing.' Reader Review

My Opinion: 

It was twenty-five years ago that I first read a novel by Susan Lewis and I have continued to read her writing from time to time over the years. She is a prolific author, who writes across a broad range of genre, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. Last year I read  A Sicilian Affair which I found captivating and I promised myself to read more of her novels.

With 'Nothing To See Here' the author has written a bumper thriller of just over 500 pages!  A cold case, an apparently unsolvable crime is at the centre of the story. Cristy Ward has decided to feature this particular case in her next True Crime Podcast. The Kellon Case Murders is particularly mysterious as sixteen years previously the police appeared to have solved the case. Then suddenly without explanation it was cited that there was not enough evidence to pursue the case against the husband. Will fresh eyes be able to unravel this complicated story?

I loved this such a C21 idea to create story around a podcast theme and it works well. One feels that Cristy, Connor and the team could feature in more novels if the author feels so inclined. With great character portrayal and so many twists and turns that will keep you guessing, this is recommended for any thriller fans that enjoy a substantial read.

Thanks to Net Galley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Previous Review:   A Sicilian Affair by Susan Lewis

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Christy Ward is the lead producer of Hindsight, a true crime podcast, and she has stumbled across an unresolved triple murder case that will make the perfect next feature.

Sixteen years ago, the police were convinced that they had found their killer. But the case was unexpectedly shut down, it never went to trial and their main suspect walked free.

Will Christy and her team be able to solve the case, or will they be silenced too…

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                         

                                       Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Official Author Website  Twitter Profile.   Instagram Profile.    Facebook Profile

Amazon Profile.   Goodreads Profile

A Sicilian Affair by Susan Lewis

                                                       

Ebook:  384 pages      

Genre:  Family Drama, Romance                                         

Publisher:  11 April 2024 - Harper Collins

Source:  NetGalley - My Kindle

First Sentence: This is, without a doubt, a crazy thing to do.

Review Quote: 'I could not put this book down. It had me hooked from start to finish with a great storyline and many twists and turns along the way. What a rollercoaster!’ Amazon reader review,

Setting:  Sicily, Italy

My Opinion: 

Susan Lewis is the best selling author of over fifty novels that span the genres of romance, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. I have to confess that I have only read a tiny percentage of them. This needs to be rectified!

The main character Catie Mac at the age of sixty three has come to a difficult time a crossroads in fact. She decides to travel to Sicily to take some private alone time to reevaluate her life. It turns out to be a perfect place for Catie to recuperate and come to terms with her past and maybe her future. The author tells us her story within a story set over forty years with a wonderful cast of characters and beautiful locations. Both of which come alive on the pages of this gripping read.

A Sicilian Affair really hit the spot for me, as I found it a captivating read. Recommended to readers that not only love Italy but like a novel with depth that will warm the heart with plenty of conflicting emotions along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

Catie returns home from a stint in prison desperate for a fresh start. But her empty house, the secrets within its walls, and the family no longer there are a reminder of everything she has lost. Buried lies always find a way out… and when a visit to Sicily begins to stir up painful memories, Catie knows she can’t outrun them forever…

Author Profile:                

                                                                                            

                                 

                                       Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Official Author Website.   Twitter Profile.   Instagram Profile.    Facebook Profile

Amazon Profile.   Goodreads Profile