“This race-against-the-clock thriller… is wonderfully plotted with strong characters, but what stands out most is the way the police ignore Adele’s pleas because she and her sister (who has a history of drug possession) are among the easy-to-dismiss poor and unconnected. A well-crafted shocker.” - Booklist (starred review) on The Clearing
"Toyne’s second mystery featuring criminologist Laughton Rees (after 2022’s Dark Objects) further establishes the character as an effective series lead in the spirit of Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta....Toyne makes the most of her creepy setting, and effectively conceals the truth behind the legend of the Cinderman until she’s ready to reveal it. Everything here suggests that Rees merits a long series run." - Publishers Weekly on The Clearing
"A stunning novel! Part wily procedural, part relentless psychological thriller, Dark Objects will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And what a masterful voice, Toyne brings to his fiction." - Jeffery Deaver
“A fun, crafty thriller.... I love how [Toyne] interwove a clever serial killer plot with a taut family drama. Definitely a one-sit read!” - Lisa Gardner on Dark Objects
"There are times when I read another author’s novel and it’s so darn good I just want to put down my own pen and retire because I can’t match it. This is that book. I was riveted, flummoxed, and completely captivated by these fascinating characters." - Tess Gerritsen on Dark Objects
“Simon Toyne… deserves the full attention of any reader who devours taut, puzzling, edge-of-your-seat thrillers with complex plots…. The events of the past and present are expertly woven together as the excitement and terror rises during the challenging investigation." - BookTrib on The Black Highway
"[An] excellent police procedural.... Tannahill and Laughton make a superb investigative team…. A skilled storyteller, Toyne has upped his game with this one." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Dark Objects
“An edgy psychological thriller that makes excellent use of its police procedural foundation....Toyne pulls out all the stops for a deliciously creepy, believable story that makes sharp turns with realistic characters.... Toyne’s plotting—and delving deep into the psychological aspects—make Dark Objects shine.” - Florida Sun-Sentinel
"Simon Toyne...really has outdone himself with Dark Objects. It’s intelligent, insanely paced and brimming with fresh ideas – I doubt I’ll read a better book this year." - M. W. Craven
"The third in Toyne’s Laughton Rees series pits Dr. Rees, a forensic specialist/consultant to the London Metropolitan Police, against a dangerous man from her past who may hold the key to a bizarre murder.... Chilling throughout." - Booklist on The Black Higway
“This book is all about pace; it’s 368 pages, and you’ll want to finish it in one go.” - BookPage on The Black Highway
"The Black Highway is a gripping novel about secrets, revenge, and how there are no limits when protecting one’s family....The anticipation steadily builds with every lead uncovered and body found, resulting in an electrifying climax that proves more than satisfying. Toyne has written a marvelous book from start to finish." - Bookreporter.com