When the body is found on an Edinburgh street,
a chain reaction begins that will destroy lives.Gavin and Jess Sterling have it all – successful business, stunning home and enough money to last them two lifetimes.
But all that glitters is not gold and when secrets begin to creep into their marriage, their ivory tower starts shaking on its foundations.
Gavin has taken a chance, risked everything and when the gamble doesn’t come off, he has just weeks to find a solution.
With the clock ticking and his stress levels rising, Gavin meets a man who offers a way out.
A man who can make things right if Gavin makes him one promise.
He bet everything.
Now there’s nothing to lose.
Don’t Look Back by Owen Mullen is published on 2 June 2026 by Boldwood Books and is available across digital, audio and print formats. You can find out more about the book on Amazon, Goodreads and StoryGraph.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy for review.
The moment Owen Mullen announced Don’t Look Back on social media back in February, I immediately hit pre-order. Honestly, at this point, a new release from him barely needs a synopsis before I’m throwing money at it.
I then spent weeks checking NetGalley on repeat hoping it would appear there too, so I was ridiculously excited to dive in the moment I was approved.
O.J. Mullen
O.J. Mullen is the psychological thriller pen name of bestselling Scottish author Owen Mullen, whose novels are known for their tension, emotional depth and vividly realised Scottish settings.
Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year, he has written multiple bestselling crime and psychological thrillers, including Three Sisters, The Marriage and Nowhere to Run.
Drawing on a background that once saw him pursuing life as a musician before turning to writing, his stories combine compelling characters, sharp pacing and a strong sense of place across Scotland’s central belt.
🔗 Connect with O.J. Mullen
Facebook OwenMullenBooks
Instagram @owenmullen6
LinkTree OwenMullen
Review
Once I started Don’t Look Back, I couldn’t put it down. Even when I did try to step away, it was impossible to switch off – my mind kept returning to the characters and the tension building between them. O.J. Mullen delivers a tense, fast-paced thriller that builds pressure with every chapter, making it incredibly difficult to step away for long.
The pacing is sharp, with a constant sense of urgency as the tension steadily escalates, and every action feels like it carries real weight. There’s a real momentum to the storytelling that keeps the pages turning.
At the centre of it all are Gavin and Jess Sterling, whose seemingly perfect life is torn apart the moment the truth comes to light. As the consequences of Gavin’s actions begin to close in, the tension rises quickly, creating a strong sense of urgency and unease.
What makes this particularly compelling is the emotional layer beneath the suspense. This isn’t just about what’s been done, but what it reveals. The shifting dynamics within their relationship add real depth, exposing a growing disconnect in priorities and expectations that feels just as impactful as the external stakes. Gavin’s perspective, in particular, is fascinating. As everything begins to unravel, there’s a real sense of desperation and disbelief, and I found myself experiencing a mix of reactions — from shock at how quickly things spiral, to moments of frustration at the way he processes and prioritises what’s happening around him. That emotional tension highlights the contrast between outward success and the reality beneath it, with a clear exploration of mindset and consequence running through the narrative.
The setting is another standout. The story moves seamlessly across the central belt, with both Edinburgh and Glasgow brought vividly to life, along with the routes between them. Each location feels authentic and well-observed, adding to the atmosphere and grounding the tension in a very real sense of place.
Long-time readers of Owen Mullen will also appreciate the subtle nods to previous books, with familiar names dropped in briefly — a really rewarding touch that adds an extra layer of enjoyment without impacting the story for new readers.
A gripping, high-stakes thriller that’s well worth the read.
#DontLookBack #OwenMullen
#BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley
See About My Reviews and Review FAQ for full star rating explanations and review guidelines. This review may also appear on my social media channels and selected book platforms. All links were correct at the time of publication. DISCLOSURE: I received a review copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own. This review is original content. Please credit and link back if you wish to quote.
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