About The Book
Book: The Killer in Room Five
Author: Sam Holland
Standalone or Series: Book 5 in the Major Crimes series (but standalone – new main characters)
Publisher: Hemlock Press
Publication Date (UK): 21st May 2026
🔍Standout Read. Awarded to books I highly recommend.
My Review
The Killer in Room Five falls under Holland’s Major Crimes series but is also a standalone in that all the main characters are new. I saw a great post Holland made describing the series as similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
I adored how dark and twisty this one was! The hook is that Joe is currently residing in the C wing of Hollowpines, a psychiatric hospital. He has had a hallucination about a grisly murder. It was so vivid that he is adamant that he’s killed someone. Due to Joe’s disposition, his nurses get Major Crimes involved. The morning after Joe’s admission, a body is found. But Joe’s been locked up. It surely couldn’t be him? But how does he know such details? DC Abby Fox is assigned to attend and meet Joe. She’s a wonderful character: strong, independent and smart.
Oh, and Hollowpines? It’s not just home to C wing, there’s also the D wing that contains five murderers who have committed such heinous, gruesome acts. I mean, THAT Stevie scene!
This novel is one that will have you picturing everything as it unfolds, the descriptions are so graphic. I can especially see Bridget and how she manoeuvres so clearly!
I loved the mystery in working out how Joe had the knowledge of the crimes. It’s worth noting that whilst the book is gory, it handles the psychiatric hospital and conditions very well. If you prefer your crime fiction on the darker side, with a whole host of strong characters to boot, then this is for you.
Beth Reads Crime 
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