The Next to Die

A Novel

By: Sophie Hannah

Narrated by: Julia Barrie

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.

Good story it all comes together

I was lost at first but this is a great suspenseful book enjoy it!! You’ll love if

Too long, ridiculous motive

I’ve always loved Sophie Hannah’s books. This one is not a winner. A long, involved journey to a ridiculously unbelievable destination. Still love her characters however. Try one of her other books.

Not good

I was really excited to ready this because the story sounded amazing. Unfortunately it was incredibly boring. Also the narrator is not great and I was disappointed. Would not recommend

Not that well suited to audio

I bought this book based on a review in the NY Times. The narrator did a pretty good job with all the voices, and there were some ironic and humorous discussions among the characters. But the problem was the plot - so many characters, including principals and victims, some with aliases or nicknames, a woman called Charlie, and a book within a book - sometimes I couldn't figure out what was going on. I can't really recommend this one.

this felt as if it would never end

when 9 hours feel like 19 hours you are listening to this book. The story works but by the time I got to the end I didn't care. No one is so interesting that you want to hear their every thought.