The Next to Die: A Novel

Sophie Hannah

Feb 2019 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

The New York Times bestselling author of The Monogram Murders and Woman with a Secret returns with a disturbing tale of psychological suspense and obsession that hits at the heart of some of our most precious relationships.

What if having a best friend could put you in the crosshairs of a killer?

A psychopath the police have dubbed “Billy Dead Mates” is targeting pairs of best friends, and killing them one by one. Before they die, each victim is given a small white book.

For months, detectives have failed to catch Billy, or figure out what the white books symbolize and why the killer leaves them behind. The police are on edge; the public in a panic. Then a woman, scared by what she’s seen on the news, comes forward. What she reveals shocks the investigators and adds another troubling layer to an already complex case.

Stand-up comedian Kim Tribbeck has one of Billy’s peculiar little books. A stranger gave it to her at a gig she did last year. Was the stranger Billy, and is he targeting her—or is it something more nefarious? Kim has no friends and trusts no one, so how—and why—could Billy Dead Mates want to target her? If it’s not her, then who will be the next to die?

Sophie Hannah raises the stakes with each successive page in this haunting and twisting thriller that reaffirms her place as one of today’s most talented suspense writers.

Ratings and reviews

Billy Dead Mates is a new serial killer in town. He targets pairs of best friends. Each is given a small white book sometimes weeks before they die. He kills one, then he kills their best friend. So far, the tally is up to four. The cops have no clues, no leads, no motive. Comedienne Kim Tribbeck is watching the television when news come on, with a special report on Billy Dead Mates. Kim sits up and remembers that she, too, received a white book one day a few weeks ago. She was performing in a comedy club and she later found the book. There was one line of printing. However, she threw the book away. Was it the serial killer? Is she being stalked for a future victim? She really doesn't have any close friends and she has trust issues, so why would she be targeted? If it’s not her, then who will be the next to die? It starts with a bang and then seems to fizzle. The beginning is promising, but when it takes multiple pages of conversation among 6 cops debating why his name was chosen and what can it mean. A little page turning on my part and the suspense picked up. There were other moments where the story seemed to lag a bit, but its well worth hanging in there for the other parts. The character of Kim is a bit unique. She does have a sense of humor ... she makes this book infinitely more enjoyable. She is finely drawn and credible. It's an interesting look at friendships and relationships amid the seemingly senseless murders. The cops themselves were a little bland,,,, not what I was expecting. Many thanks to the author / William Morrow / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this psychological suspense. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own. 3.5 stars

Enjoyed the concept but couldn't get past the anti-man narrative just a few pages in. Such a negative, horrid view of the world.

The New York Times bestselling author of The Monogram Murders and Woman with a Secret returns with a disturbing tale of psychological suspense and obsession that hits at the heart of some of our most precious relationships.

About the author

SOPHIE HANNAH is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous psychological thrillers, which have been published in 51 countries and adapted for television, as well as The Monogram Murders, the first Hercule Poirot novel authorized by the estate of Agatha Christie, and its sequels Closed Casket, The Mystery of Three Quarters, and The Killings at Kingfisher Hill. Sophie is also the author of a self-help book, How to Hold a Grudge, and hosts the podcast of the same name. She lives in Cambridge, UK.