20 April 2026

Publication date: 21 May 2026

The Killer in Room Five is now officially my favourite Sam Holland book. This gruesome, twisty thriller will keep you turning pages well past your bedtime. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Sam Holland’s work, you can expect a gripping and unforgettable read when you pick this one up.

Holland delivers a dark and unsettling story, packed with graphic detail that may be a little intense for sensitive readers—but for fans of hard-hitting crime fiction, this is easily one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. At its core, the novel explores the fragility of memory and just how unreliable it can be, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling plot.

When Joe Sinclair, a patient at Hollowpines—an infamous psychiatric hospital—confesses to murder, DC Abby Fox is assigned to take his statement. Abby is returning to Major Crimes after a twelve-month suspension following the stabbing of a colleague, and she knows she won’t be welcomed back easily. Determined to prove herself, she heads to Hollowpines to interview Joe. However, he turns out to be nothing like she expected. Abby must unravel how Joe knows intimate details about a crime he seemingly could not have committed.

From the very first chapters, Sam Holland had me completely engrossed. The crimes are brutal, but what makes the story even more compelling is how grounded and believable the characters feel. I found myself forming strong opinions about everyone very quickly. The exploration of memory—and how easily it can be influenced—kept me constantly second-guessing what I thought I knew. In particular, the idea that suggestion can shape memory made me deeply suspicious of Dr Lewis Devaney.

Joe Sinclair is a fascinating character. While I often questioned his reliability, I couldn’t help but feel empathy towards him. He is deeply troubled, and Holland does an excellent job of bringing his fear and vulnerability to life, making it impossible not to root for him—even when doubt lingers.

DC Abby Fox is a strong and engaging protagonist. She’s riddled with self-doubt but fiercely determined to prove her worth after her suspension. The tension between her and Callum adds another layer of complexity to the story and keeps the emotional stakes high.

If I had to choose a standout character, it would have to be Bridget Anderson. She adds real depth to the narrative. Though she is a murderer, the more we learn about her, the more she becomes a fully realised and deeply human character—one you can’t help but empathise with.

There’s no question that I loved this book. For me, this is Sam Holland’s best novel to date—a five-star read from beginning to end.

If you enjoy dark, gruesome thrillers that don’t shy away from graphic detail, then this is a book you absolutely should not miss. I cannot recommend it highly enough.