I spent the first half of this book hating everyone in it. But at the same time seeing myself in a lot of the characters. Their flaws and faults were well crafted and absolutely real life everyday human stuff that we’d all probably like to gloss over and pretend we don’t do. The book is written in the first person but with different chapters being voiced by the different characters. I loved seeing the different perspectives on the same situations which made me really question my own perception of the slights I see against me in everyday life. In the second half you are just pulled into the whole “who” of the mystery and you can’t stop reading until it’s revealed. Another excellent book from Caz Frear for anyone who likes their crime books dripping with sarcasm and snappy dialogue.

You may already know the British author Caz Frear for her three novels about Detective Constable Kat Kinsella. Now she’s written a standalone psychological thriller called ‘Five Bad Deeds’ which was longlisted for the 2025 Crime Writers’ Association Twisted Dagger Award. Ellen is a middle-aged woman, married with a teen-aged daughter and 2-year-old twins. She’s an all-round good citizen, good person, always helpful to others, doing her job as a freelance teacher and planning on renovating her dream home. And then one day a note arrives declaring: “Actions have consequences, Ellen. I am going to teach you that.” Ellen is shocked and honestly can’t think why someone would say that, for she’s never done anything wrong, has always only had good intentions. But good intentions or not, nobody goes through life without the odd little wrong here or there. Ellen tries to work out what she has done as bad things begin to happen to her – she’s breathalysed in front of the whole school after an anonymous tip-off; her youngest child cuts his hand on a knife that was left hidden amongst the sofa cushions; she’s reported to social services, and so on. But even among this increasing harassment Ellen refuses to involve the police. Because, you see, she does have secrets, which she cannot reveal. Most of the chapters are told by Ellen but some by her best friend, some by her sister, and some by the local constable. All are people who, on the surface, respect and love her, but who reveal in their innermost thoughts a deep hatred for her, for reasons which are only slowly revealed. As Ellen desperately tries to find out who’s harassing her and why, the tension for the reader becomes almost too much to bear. My verdict Five Bad Deeds is a good book – very much a psychological thriller. The writing is vivid, urgent even, which helps to ramp up the tension. And Ellen is well-described as a slightly clueless but kind and well-meaning woman. Equally well-described are her friends/adversaries, of whose thoughts she is utterly unaware. Both her sister and her best friend have very complex feelings for her, and this turmoil is really well portrayed by Caz Frear. Ellen’s husband comes over as a wimp, who instead of helping is trying to distance himself from her. By contrast, the young man for whom she is developing feelings, stands out sharp and clear, someone you actually like, in spite of his dodgy background. You reach almost the last few chapters before the perpetrator (who was there all along) is revealed, as well as their utterly mundane motive. But that, it seems to me, is often the case in fiction as in life: people’s reasons for doing bad things are often banal. The place where this story is set isn’t very clear, but I suppose that’s because it could be set in any affluent village in the Home Counties. I enjoyed reading this and will give it 4 Stars. Review by: Freyja, Oundle Crime

3.5 rounded up This is Ellen Walsh’s story and it’s one of spite. Ellen lives with husband Adam who is frequently away from home leaving her to contend with the trials of 16 year old Orla (every inch a teen) and the anarchy of twins Max and Kian. If that’s not time consuming enough they are trying to renovate their dream home, Meadowhouse. However, it seems as if Ellen has deeply offended someone as an anonymous note warms of consequences. Who is on a revenge spree targeting Ellen? What provokes the Five Bad Deeds? Who wants to teach her a lesson and why? Whoever it is keeps upping the ante ..., The standout feature of this stand-alone from the talented Caz Frear, author of the excellent Cat Kinsella series, is the characterisation. All are well portrayed although it’s fair to say that few are likeable which does tend to make for more delicious reading. Some characters mislead you or fool you in various ways. The jury is out in Ellen although I tend towards liking rather than dislike because the strongest aspect of her personality is that she knows herself. She’s internally honest even if not necessarily so with those she interacts with and I have to say at times I find her very funny. As for her husband Adam - not the greatest spouse ever eh, Adam? Their family life is well portrayed, you feel like a fly on the wall as the children cause their own particular brand of havoc. The novel is told via multiple points of view as their perspectives of Ellen are illuminating. As the plot evolves it becomes clear that quite a few have reasons to exact revenge and I cast my beady eye around seeking the strongest candidate. There are so many liars here, so who is the biggest liar of all and who will blink first? The start of the novel intrigued me and pulls me into the suspenseful storytelling. Whilst this does advance and progress, the pace isn’t fast but the slow burner character driven approach suits the premise. The tone keeps changing which is enjoyable and I love the sense of irony and sending herself up humour which appears on occasions in Ellen’s perspective. However, the five bad deeds are a bit hidden and maybe could have been worse than they actually are although they do feel authentic and could actually happen. I’m somewhat conflicted about the big reveal. I do enjoy there misdirection which distracts but I’m not convinced the reasons are especially strong. On the other hand people do let things burn and fester inside them, so who knows what they may be driven to? Overall, despite some issues I do enjoy the book, it’s entertaining and easy to read.

4.25⭐️ I love the Cat Kinsella series so was keen to try this standalone. A domestic sounding premise for this UK crime thriller evolving around Ellen, her job, her family and her dream house The Meadowhouse. It becomes far more psychological as it progresses. It has a trendy easy going, light feel, making it easy reading.I didn’t find the characters remotely likeable, in fact they were downright annoying. There are multiple POV. There are character revelations throughout the book rather than the character developing from past deeds. I found it very much a book of two halves. Firstly I need to quantify, it’s very much a personal thing for me, I’m just not good with slow burns. This is very much a slow burn start with little of substance happening. The redeeming thing is it’s just the first half (some books take til 80% for the unfolding reveals) The second half it’s all starts unfolding, the secrets, lies, the reveals. It’s got decent plot complexity. From then it really gripped me. It ends strongly. The first half is 3.5⭐️, the second 4.5⭐️ as it ended strongly I’ve gone for an overall of 4.25⭐️ however if you are one of the many who love slow burns ending with a bang this is definitely one for you.

Five Bad Deeds by Caz Frear is an interesting story of revenge, loyalty and secrets. Ellen Walsh is a good person, she is a wife, mother, teacher and all round good citizen or so she believes. Until she receives an ominous note through the mail, that People will have to learn that there are consequences, Ellen. Will the five bad deeds that Ellen did come back to haunt her? An interesting and gripping story that keeps the reader intrigued until the end. Highly recommended