Other People's Houses

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh
9/16/25; 368 pages
Sourcebooks Landmark
DC Morgan #3

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh is an excellent, very highly recommended procedural which follows three complex cases that unexpectedly converge. Other People's Houses is the third book in the DC Morgan series but can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel.

In the first case DC Ffion Morgan recovers the body of estate agent Natasha Brett who was found dead in a kayak on the lake. Natasha had been at a drunken estate company get away weekend with her coworkers.

The second case involves a series of breaking and entering in the exclusive homes on The Hill in Cheshire that DS Leo Brady is investigating. In the odd break-ins nothing of great value is taken. Complicating matters is Leo's ex, Allie, who doesn't live on The Hill, but is trying to ingratiate herself with the women who do.

The third case unfolds through the social media posts from fans of the true crime podcast called Without Conviction. It is covering a cold case from ten years earlier when the Carmichael's were murdered in their home. When new evidence is found, the popularity of the podcast increases.  

The well-written narrative starts out at an even pace as Ffion and Leo are involved with investigating their separate cases and Ffion follows the Carmichael case on the podcast. There are also chapter following Allie trying to wheedle her way into the crowd on The Hill. As the cases become more complex and convoluted, the tension and pace increase. For much of the plot, the social media posts about the Without Conviction podcast feel like space filler, rather than an important part of the plot, but keep reading as it will become important.

Once everything takes off the pace becomes lightning-fast and the novel becomes un-put-downable as secrets are uncovered and connections between cases begin to emerge. As you continue reading it will become clear how marvelously plotted the novel really is and how brilliantly everything is tied up.

Ffion and Leo's relationship is developing along with their characters throughout the novel. Ffion can be outspoken and opinionated, but she is also intelligent and clear-sighted. Dave, Ffion's dog is an exuberant addition to the cast. Allie becomes a sympathetic/pathetic character with all her fawning attempts at social climbing.

Other People's Houses is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys procedurals. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.