Title: TROUBLEMAKER
Author: Lesley Kara
ISBN: 9781529193992
Publisher: Transworld Digital
Pages: 384
Source: NetGalley
Storm used to be just like her name. Wild and strong. A force to be reckoned with.
But ever since her younger brother was killed in a violent mugging, she has led a very different quiet and cautious, seeing danger everywhere. Storm’s tendency to panic has resulted in several false alarms, so when she witnesses a murder with uncanny similarities to the way her brother was killed, and yet no body is found and no one is reported missing, the police don’t take her seriously.
But Storm knows what she saw. And the murder is only the start – the killer will stop at nothing to keep Storm quiet. But how can she solve the murder and stay out of danger when no one believes her?
Official Summary
02 October 2025
It’s been ages since I have read a Lesley Kara book, but she has done it again with Troublemaker—a tense, emotionally charged thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night.
From the very start, I was drawn to Storm, a character whose name perfectly reflects the whirlwind of emotions and danger she’s caught up in. I loved how Kara portrayed her as both fragile and fierce: still broken by her brother’s murder yet determined to find justice when no one else believes her.
What struck me most was how the book explored trauma and its long-lasting effects. Storm’s hyper-awareness and panic attacks felt raw and real, and it added so much depth to her character. Her struggle to be taken seriously by the police and those around her was frustrating but also incredibly engaging—it made me root for her even harder.
The mystery itself is cleverly crafted. The eerie parallels between her brother’s death and the murder she witnesses hooked me right away, and Kara kept me second-guessing at every turn. I loved the balance between psychological suspense and fast-paced action; just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist came along to pull the rug out from under me.
Troublemaker is not just a thriller—it’s also a story about grief, resilience, and finding strength when you’ve been underestimated for too long. For me, it was an addictive read with a heroine I won’t soon forget. Fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven suspense will find this one utterly gripping.
Also by Lesley Kara
THE OTHER TENANT
Marlow has always lived in unusual places. But when she accepts a position as a live-in property guardian, she finds herself moving somewhere she swore she’d never return to.
Right from the start, she knows it’s a terrible mistake. The elegant Victorian school is due to be turned into luxury apartments, but its eerie, empty corridors are full of Marlow’s worst memories.
And now something sinister is happening on the site. One of the other tenants has disappeared without warning, and Marlow suspects that the nine other guardians know far more than they’re letting on. She’s determined to find out what happened to the missing woman – but which of these strangers can she trust?
And can she uncover the truth before her own past catches up with her?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Lesley Kara is a Sunday Times bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her first novel, The Rumour, was the highest-selling print crime fiction debut of 2019. It sold in over 18 countries and is soon to be a major TV series on Channel 5. Her subsequent novels are Who Did You Tell, The Dare, The Apartment Upstairs and The Other Tenant. Lesley is also the founder and co-host of the popular podcast, In Suspense. Lesley was born and grew up in Chelmsford, Essex. On moving to London, she worked as a secretary and nurse before completing an English degree and PGCE at Greenwich University. For many years, she worked as a lecturer and manager in Further Education. She is an alumna of the Faber Academy and now lives in Kent, where she writes full-time.
I enjoy Lesley Kara’s books and was excited about finding this new release on NetGalley. A big thank you to NetGalley for this review copy. If you are a fan or have never read a Kara book before, you will not want to miss this one. Remember to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Until next time… Happy Reading!
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