Cuckoo by Callie Kazumi review

About The Book

Book: Cuckoo (UK) / Claire, Darling (US)
Author: Callie Kazumi
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Cornerstone
Publication Date (UK): 13th March 2025

My Review

This debut novel from Callie Kazumi is described as “a story of obsession, love and murder – and not the one you’re expecting. . . Discover a gripping new thriller with a killer twist at its core.”

Naturally I was really looking forward to reading it! The book is split into two parts and as chapters unfold they are interspersed with both Claire’s diary entries and flashbacks to her childhood memories. Claire is thrilled to be celebrating her first anniversary with her fiancé, Noah. Claire is a little awkward; she was bullied at school and raised by a controlling mother who cared more about men than her. So Claire is completely enamored and all in with her relationship with Noah.

Claire decides to surprise Noah with a special lunch at his office, but when she arrives, he doesn’t seem to be on the system. In fact, he hasn’t worked there for nine months! A confused Claire tries to reach him, but Noah won’t answer her calls or messages – he’s vanished. #FindNoah.

Ok so we know there is a twist coming from the book’s description and I did guess it very early on. However, this didn’t take away any enjoyment from reading. Cuckoo was really fun – full of characters you hate to love and love to hate (Sukhi FTW) – and it was great to see the story unfold. I won’t mention the contents of part two as I don’t want to spoil it. If you enjoy domestic thrillers then this is for you.

A solid debut – I look forward to seeing what Callie writes next!

Cuckoo is out in paperback on the 13th March.

Thank you to Cornerstone and Rachel Quin for my proof copy of the book and promotional goodies.