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The Curfew

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Your son said he was home. WHY DID HE LIE?

It's time to preorder the brand new up-all-night thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Richard and Judy pick The Holiday, now a major TV Drama.

I should have known something was wrong. I should have sensed it. Felt it in the air, like the build-up of pressure before a thunderstorm, that heavy, loaded calm.

The curfew
Andy and Laura are good parents. They tell their son Connor that he can go out with friends to celebrate completing his exams, but he must be home by midnight.

The lie
When Connor misses his curfew, it sets off a series of events that will change the lives of five families forever.

The truth?
Because five teenagers went into the woods that night, but only four came out. And telling the truth might mean losing everything...

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

456 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2022

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About the author

T.M. Logan

18 books3,098 followers
Tim’s thrillers have sold more than two million copies in the UK and are published in translation in 22 other countries including Italy, Spain, Sweden, Portugal, France, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Greece, South Korea, Romania and the Netherlands.

His latest novel, THE DREAM HOME, is about a family who move into a rambling Victorian house hoping it will be their 'forever home'. But it's not long before they start to uncover secrets contained within those walls, including a hidden room on the top floor. And by the time they realise the past is better left buried, it's already too late...

THE MOTHER is a twisty, fast-paced thriller about a woman betrayed and her search for redemption against all the odds. Because if she can't discover who framed her for murder, she will never see her sons again...

THE HOLIDAY was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and spent ten weeks in the Sunday Times paperback top ten. It has since won a Nielsen Bestseller Award and been made into a four-part TV drama starring Jill Halfpenny (currently available on Netflix UK).

THE CATCH, about a father convinced his daughter is about to marry a man with terrible secrets, has also been made into a TV drama starring Jason Watkins, Poppy Gilbert, Aneurin Barnard and Cathy Belton (also on Netflix UK).

His other books are THE CURFEW, TRUST ME, LIES and 29 SECONDS.

Tim was born in Berkshire and studied in London and Cardiff before becoming a national newspaper journalist. He lives in Nottinghamshire with his wife and two children, and writes in a book-filled spare room of his house.

For exclusive writing and new releases from TM Logan, sign up to the Readers’ Club: www.bit.ly/TMLogan.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,124 reviews
Profile Image for Holly  B (slower pace!).
891 reviews2,469 followers
April 18, 2022
OUTLIER (usually a fan)

My fourth by the author.

Two were 4's, the other a 3.

I was excited to read this one and shocked at how boring, over written and unsuspenseful it was. This is just my opinion, but at 463 pages, I would expect many twists and surprises. Didn't happen here. I've read this story before, so nothing new. It is sad because he is a good writer, so I'll just chalk it up to a bad day at the office.

The flat characters, unbearable teenagers, family issues, trolling, and lackluster plot made this a big fail. The most exciting thing about the end was that I was able to close the book!

Released March 17, 2022 / purchased hardcover
Profile Image for Ceecee.
2,412 reviews2,018 followers
January 17, 2022
Laura and Andy are certain that their son Connor comes home close to his curfew, but does he? The following day it doesn’t look good as a teenage girl is missing… Do they trust Connor, or?? What have the post GCSE teens been up to? The story is told from several perspectives but principally by Andy which works well as it helps to deepen the mystery further.

I like the basic premise of the novel which is how far you would be prepared to go for your child. The characterisation especially of the teens is spot on as you witness their boundary testing, risk taking antics which go too far in this case. You feel for Andy and empathise with his panic though he can be annoying from time to time as he’s not exactly subtle! You feel as if you are on a rollercoaster with him as secrets, lies and numerous examples of toxicity emerge and like Andy, you can’t see the wood for the trees. The standout character is Harriet, Connors younger sister, who has more gumption, common sense and perspicacity than the rest of them put together! The impact of the missing teen is done very well with all the many fractures and tensions that leads up to it and beyond.

However, at the start of the novel it’s way too wordy and overdetailed which feels like unnecessary padding as it gets in the way of a decent mystery. The pace is a bit inconsistent for a while too. Thankfully, that stops not too far into the book and the suspense builds and it becomes gripping with good plot twists and a growing suspect pool and you find yourself fully immersed in the storytelling. There are some relevant issues explored such as toxic friendships and bullying. The are a number of scenes where the author creates an excellent atmosphere especially set around the local woods.

TM Logan‘s books are definitely entertaining and they keep you guessing until the end. They are easy to read with snappy chapters that perfectly matches the action.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books, Zaffre for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa.
896 reviews
January 2, 2023
Well this is my first DNF of 2023 what a shame this was soooooo slowwwww the premise got me in but this just dragged badly very tedious BAD BAD BAD.
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,838 reviews399 followers
October 20, 2022
We have plenty of books with the trope of “how far would you go to protect your child” and this one was of no exception.

The parents of the child who is a suspect by the Police is very much loved.
But did he lie?

Connor is allowed out to celebrate the ending of his exams. As parents do, they ask him to be home at a particular time.
I’ve been in that position when my grown kids were out and the curfew was reaching over time in expecting them home. Then another hour passes. You text. You text again and ask them to ring.
Finally they either arrive home or they respond.

Sometimes you read or hear of that not happening.

A parent might even go out and look for them.

We have the fathers brother and his son in this equation too.

Then the police.

What really happened that night?

Although I personally feel the book could have been shorter as some bits did drag on a bit, this authors writing is so good, always so good. I enjoyed this book just as much as the others.

Like I say, it’s a theme that’s been done plenty of times and this one isn’t unique however, it’s a book I could pick up and put down without a struggle and losing my place.

Because of the trope and I’ve read other books I remember and preferred and because it dragged a bit so I thought it could be less pages I give 3*. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t like it, I did.
Profile Image for Gary.
2,805 reviews404 followers
December 20, 2021
I always find T.M Logan’s books enjoyable and great page turners and this was no different. His books are fast paced, have interesting characters and intriguing plots. In my opinion the plots are fairly straightforward but nevertheless exciting and very enjoyable.

Andy and Laura are caring parents and try to raise him the best they can. He is allowed to go out with his friends but must obey their rules. So on the completion of Connor’s exams he decides to celebrate by going out with his friends but is given the proviso by Andy and Laura that he is back home by midnight. But when misses his curfew, it sets off a series of events that will change the lives of five families forever. Connor and four of his friends went into the woods that night but one of them never came out.
Well written, page turner that keeps you gripped. I find this author so consistent and always look forward to reading his latest novel.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bonnier Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mark.
1,412 reviews
March 9, 2022
An easy to read story, one of those you can pick up and read and immediately you are back where you left off, it’s sometimes nice to have one of those, almost a relaxing read if makes sense?, anyway the story itself is far from relaxing, based around a broken curfew and the consequences of that, an ignored rule turns into a living nightmare for one family and they wonder if they will ever recover
Good characters, believable and human in their choices they make ( right and wrong ) and was fascinating to see how family loyalty can and does come first in many situations whatever the outcome may be for others…..
Little else to say tbh other than it was a good read 🤗

8/10
4 Stars
Profile Image for Mandy White (mandylovestoread).
2,410 reviews694 followers
April 29, 2022
TM Logan books are always entertaining, fast reads. Despite the length of The Curfew, I read it quite quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. There were a few points where I thought it could have been a little shorter but overall a great read.

As a parent to a teenager, I could feel the fear and panic of the Andy and Laura, the parents at the centre of this story. It makes you ponder the question, how far would you go to protect your child? When their son, Connor breaks his curfew, it is only the start of his troubles. He is soon at the middle of the biggest story to hit this small community but claims his innocence. Andy is determined to clear his son's name, by any means.

With plenty of twists and turns, The Curfew will keep you guessing right until the very end. I have to say that my favourite characters were Connors sister Harriet and their dog Toffee. Harriet was like a dog with a bone, and smarter than them all put together.

Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published in Australia May 3rd.
Profile Image for jay.
915 reviews5,270 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 17, 2024
dnf cause boring
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,246 reviews979 followers
July 7, 2022
I feel a bit torn about this book. As always the book keeps your interest and you have to know what happens next. Especially the last chapters. What I found a bit annoying was how the police investigation was described. The main character in the police came off as a black or white character. She was so convinced Connor had something to do with the disappearance of Emily, that it felt like she didn’t consider any other options. Every time she talked with him or his father she was judgmental and very harsh in her questioning. But overall I enjoyed the book and decided to not my misgivings with the police color my opinion too much.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,400 reviews
July 19, 2022
Setting: Nottingham, UK.
G.P. Andy and his teacher wife Laura have a 16-year-old son, Connor - having finished his exams, his parents have allowed him to go to a party but his curfew is midnight. Waking up during the night, Andy realises that the porch light is still on, which Connor is expected to switch off so they know he is home, but, on checking his room, Andy sees the shape of a figure asleep in Connor's bed. Not until the next morning do they realise that it was Connor's cousin Zac who had slept in his bed. It then transpires that five teenagers left the party and went into nearby Beacon Woods - but only four came out. The search is then on for missing Emily, with serious repercussions for the families concerned and the wider community...
This was another great read from Mr Logan, narrated mainly by Connor's father Andy as he tries to come to terms with his son's reluctance to explain the evening's events to the police. Intriguing and unpredictable storyline - 8.5/10.
Profile Image for Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews.
2,084 reviews311 followers
February 9, 2023
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

Master of the up-all-night thriller T.M. Logan is back with tale that send shivers down the spine of any parent. A domestic suspense tale, The Curfew is a topical novel that looks closely at parenting, teenage relationships, obsession, lies and honesty. I really loved my introduction T.M. Logan’s work.

In The Curfew five teenagers meet to do what teenagers do – drink and party. Connor Boyd makes a mistake when he doesn’t come home on his agreed curfew time, after celebrating the end of his exams. This rather minor error of judgement causes a ripple effect in the days to come. Connor’s decisions and actions impact not just his own family, but the families of the friends he was partying with the night he failed to come home on time. For the teenagers involved in the party in the woods, the devastating circumstances of this event results in the shocking disappearance of one member of this group. Will the truth be revealed – even if it means risks need to be taken?

Nottinghamshire resident T.M. Logan has managed to sell over a million copies of his books in the UK. I am a newcomer to this successful thriller writer’s work, but I’m happy to call myself a fan of this British author’s writing. Taut, compelling, addictive and nerve-wracking, I highly endorse The Curfew.

The opening premise of The Curfew immediately reeled me in. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Logan’s intriguing set-up, but I was happy to go along for the ride. Logan issues his readers with plenty of little clues, titbits and plot diversions. Each chapter seemed to close with a final hook, which urges the reader to turn the pages quickly and continue reading on. I was taken in by each of the viewpoints and testimonies of the various narrators of The Curfew. Logan had a solid handle on the different voices of his cast, from the parents, the teens at the party, siblings, neighbours and the investigating police officers. Even the dog in the tale was clearly represented by the author.

Logan touches on some relevant and current issues within his engrossing narrative. With a focus on dating, relationships, obsession, social media, bullying, education, consent, drug use, teen drinking, limitations, rules, friendships, protection, loyalty, parenting and family relationships, Logan has all bases covered. The Curfew puts the reader in an uncomfortable position, especially in relation to parenting a teen, this one warned me of what I might be facing as a parent in just a few years time. It really is a scary world out there for teens and their parents, which is outlined honestly by Logan. The Curfew also looks at some other pertinent themes around fame, celebrity status, loss, grief, illness, sibling ties, marriage and developmental disorders. In addition, I thought the policing aspect of The Curfew rang very true in my eyes. DS Shar was sharp, commanding and very credible. The last-minute saviour and winner in my opinion was Harriet, Connor Boyd’s younger sister. What a little mastermind!

I half predicated what happened to the missing person in this tale, but I was slightly off the scent! Logan is quite the manipulator and a few twists completely jolted me off course. I think the narration keep me wholly engaged with this one, it’s another winner for Richard Armitage! I highly recommend the Audible version of The Curfew if you are a member of this service.
October 16, 2022
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr

The Curfew by T. M. Logan. (2022).

Andy and Laura are good parents. They let their son Connor go out with his friends to celebrate completing exams, but his curfew is midnight. When Connor misses that curfew, it sets off a series of events that change the lives of more than one family. Because five teenagers went into the woods that night, but only four came out. And telling the truth might mean losing everything...

I didn't mind this story at all, but I did absolutely think it was too long. At a little over 450 pages, I felt it dragged in places and could have been more engaging with a shorter length. By the middle I had a feeling on where the story was going with the missing teenager, and I ended up being half right so that was a good surprise as I didn't see a couple of twists coming. My favourite character was the extremely clever younger sister of Connor who was a wizz with technology. With alternating perspectives and timelines there is a good amount of tension but I really feel the pacing was a bit off.
Overall: this one was an alright mystery story, I wouldn't call it great but it also wasn't bad. If the synopsis interests you, I say go for it.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
607 reviews163 followers
October 24, 2022
What would you do if you were in this situation? This was a believable and relatable storyline especially for those who have teenagers. Like me ! It is full of secrets , lies and twists and turns. The pacing was perfect I would say meduim paced. This book is set in England . It has short chapters which kept the story flowing. I very much connected to the Andy who was Connors dad as he persevered to find out the truth. This book had me guessing right up until the very end. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Mellisa.
537 reviews156 followers
March 23, 2022
Connor missing his curfew sets off a chain of events that will shatter the close community forever. With secrets being kept, nobody can be trusted. Every parent is looking out for their child, willing to throw anyone else under the bus. Five teenagers entered the woods one night... but only four came out...

I can confirm this is definitely T.M Logan's best book yet. It had me hooked the whole way through. The twists were incredible, little parts of information given to set the story going into a whole new direction. Every part building up to an incredible finish. I've just finished it and I already want to read it again. Fantastic book, one of the best from 2022 yet!
Profile Image for Stephanie Kay Bolen.
309 reviews51 followers
March 3, 2022
Every book I read by Logan is so good but he just keeps getting better and better with each new release! The Curfew is by FAR his best book EVER! I love to theorize and kept trying to come up with theories as I read but I was honestly stumped! At the same time, I was enraptured with every page and I just had to know what happened next! I had no clue who to blame or be mad at! (Except Creepy Crosby. There wasn’t a single page where I felt anything but disgust for that creeper. lol)
Do yourself a favor and read this book!!! I already can’t wait for Logan’s next one! I’m wondering how he will get any better than this! xxx
Profile Image for Pauline.
878 reviews
February 12, 2022
I always enjoy T.M. Logan’s stories and I was excited to receive a copy of his latest book The Curfew.
Andy and Laura are worried when their son Connor and his friends are mixed up in an incident after a house party. Andy sets out to find the truth about what happened.
A story with some twists and turns that kept me entertained.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK, Zaffre for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Eve.
723 reviews49 followers
April 19, 2022
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
Publication Date: March 17, 2022
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

I really like thrillers with relatable characters, good story. This story didn't dissapoint.
I think every parent can recognize themselves in many of the characters. The need to give your teenager more freedom as their grow up but at the same time you can not seem to stop worring that something bad may happen to them and fear that you won't be able to help.

In THE CURFEW Andy and Laura have their worst nightmare come to life when they allow their 16-year-old son Connor to go out with his friends to celebrate completing his exams and he won't come home by midnight like he promised. That night puts in motion a chain of devastating events that will change their lives andreveal many things about their son and his friends...

At first this story was slow but soon I was hooked and I was guessing until the end.
There are many stories about the missing people but despite that this story felt fresh and interesting. I liked that it was easy to relate to the struggles of the main characters and the reader could wonder along with them what was going on; at the same time wondering how Iwould react in similar situation and what I would do.
All the references to the social media, the pandemic, teenager problems (e.g. the school bullying, date rape drugs), felt really relevant.
This story is mostly narrated from the father's POV (Andy) but we also get glimpses from other character's POVs, so I had to change my mind more than once about the outcome of this story. I liked how author continue to build the tension, so towards the end I couldn't read fast enought to see what will happen next.
I only wish Andy had been less neurotic. He was an intelligent man but he often let his emotions get over him. But then, perhaps we would be the same in similar situation ;)
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,220 reviews65 followers
July 13, 2022
How far would you go to protect your teenager?

Connor (and the other teens in the novel) are legitimately portrayed. Every action and reaction you can relate to. Harriet (younger sister) for me, was the star of the read - her gumption was enviable.

Parts of the read felt unnecessarily detailed but the pace was sustained throughout and the ending was satisfying.

Solid, enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Nicola Nunney .
220 reviews46 followers
February 27, 2023
CW: cancer description, cannabis use, bullying, retching, self harm (cutting)

I really enjoyed this. I loved the writing style and was always eager to read on to find out more in the story.

I enjoyed reading about the different characters and their links to Emily. I loved Harriet and her attitude and determination throughout the story was sweet, as she wanted to help and support her brother

I totally didn't guess who the culprit was, but it was enjoyable to find out who it was all the same.

I'd like to read more of T.M Logan's work in future.
Profile Image for Joan McLay.
333 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2024
Excellent thriller, this book has lots of twists and turns and who knows who did what to whom. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Joanne Robertson.
1,379 reviews642 followers
March 3, 2022
I have been so excited about the release of The Curfew by T.M. Logan as he’s a real favourite author of mine! The Curfew is out on March 17th but for a little taster of how brilliantly twisty his storylines are then The Holiday has been made into a 4 part tv drama on Channel 5 starting this week.

The Curfew starts with a scene that many parents of teenagers will be familiar with-waking up and not sure if and and when your teenager is home! It’s a fear I remember well and I also used to leave a light on as a sign they were home if it had been switched off. It’s a difficult time as a parent, knowing you need to show trust in your child whilst also making sure they abide by any rules set down such as curfew times. So when Laura and Andy realise that their son Connor hasn’t stuck to his curfew they aren’t happy but the reason why may be worse than they are expecting with the news that one of his teenage friends has gone missing…

T.M. Logan knows exactly what emotions families go through when it comes to difficult situations and has wound his plot cleverly around the lives of a normal family. It happens all the time in real life too where a family suddenly find themselves thrown into their worst nightmare due to an unexpected tragedy and that’s why this felt so plausible. Andy and Laura are good parents, firm but fair, likeable and fun. Their children are poles apart in personality but seem to understand and respect their parents and enjoy being part of their family dynamics. The simmering undercurrent of fear felt by Andy was palpable as was his determination to keep his son safe and I defy any parent not to understand the decisions he makes even if they don’t always agree with those choices!

The Curfew is a fast paced and gripping read cementing T.M. Logan’s place on the bestseller lists. I raced through it, desperately seeking answers to those terrible questions running through my head but then had to slow down as I couldn’t bare for it to end! Grippingly good from start to finish!
Profile Image for Chloe Rebecca.
405 reviews11 followers
January 13, 2023
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book for ages now as I really enjoyed the T M Logan books that I’ve read previously.

I found the book easy to read and found myself flying through the chapters. I felt frustrated with the storyline at points because I felt like we weren’t getting anywhere and I just wanted to know more. Connor’s silence and unwillingness to talk really got on my nerves and I felt like shaking him!! I also found some of the parents to be absolutely awful!! Even Connor’s if I’m honest…I don’t know why they let him get away with saying so little for so long! Maybe it’s because I’m not a parent but I didn’t like the giving him an alibi thing, especially when they didn’t even know at that point what the were giving him an alibi for!

I found that this book didn’t have as much ‘thrill’ in it compared to some of the author’s previous books, although it did have a lot of mystery. The book definitely leaves you hanging and in full suspense, which I guess is what makes it so easy to fly through the pages, because you’re so desperate to get to the bottom of what’s going on!

For me, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped. I just felt like not enough happened for so much of the story, and I found most of the characters quite irritating. It’s a shame because I usually love T M Logan’s books but this one just wasn’t my favourite unfortunately! I am, however, looking forward to his new book that is due to be published next year, as the little bit of info about it he reveals at the end of The Curfew sounded really intriguing!!
Profile Image for Kirstie.
720 reviews15 followers
February 6, 2023
I enjoyed this in the end. It was a slow burner and I couldn’t understand the great reviews. I thought I had it worked out early on but far from it

I liked that it was from the dad’s’ points of view

A boy comes home late from a party and then begins lots of drama when one girl fails to return home
Profile Image for Tanja Berg.
2,068 reviews492 followers
October 30, 2022
This is a really great thriller that explores the theme of parental love beyond reason. A group of teenagers have a rendezvous in the woods and one of them
doesn’t return. The one who do say nothing. Their parents lie for them and gradually, it all escalates.
Profile Image for Val Wheeler.
285 reviews32 followers
April 10, 2022
Another very exciting twisty psychological thriller from TM Logan.

Great characters, great storyline - a definite winner
Profile Image for For The Love of books.
176 reviews24 followers
July 29, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook. The story was largely guessable. You could see most of the story coming before it happened. The ending wasn’t too much of a surprise.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,507 reviews141 followers
December 29, 2021

Sixteen-year-old Connor is out with his friends to celebrate the end of term exams. But he must be home at midnight. The five friends, Connor, Emily, Drew and Olivia and his cousin Zac end up going to the nearby woods to hang out. But the end of the night they go their separate ways but only 4 return home.
The story is told by Connor’s dad Andy, with his wife Laura and younger daughter Harriet. At first, Andy gets a phone call from his brother Rob to say that his son Zac hasn’t returned home, and they go searching for him. But when they realise that Zac stayed in Connors Bed and his son didn’t return home that night. When there is a phone call from the police to say that Connor has been arrested for the disappearance of Emily. Emily is the daughter of an actress, and all sorts of accusations appear on social media of what happened that night. Andy knows that this son is innocent and wants to prove the police wrong.
The Curfew by T. M Logan is another gripping, page turner from the author. I am always intrigued to see what book of his comes out next. This has a cleverly written plot and always leaves the reader guessing and guessing of what happens in the plot and quite current to what kids must deal with regarding social media and their peers. 4 stars from me.

Profile Image for Dee.
443 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2023
⭐️ 4 ⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed this slow-burner of a book; it started off quite slowly but gradually picked up pace and then raced off towards the end - the feeling of tension and foreboding increasing throughout.

Logan’s books are always easy to read, with its fluid narrative The Curfew is no exception.

Featuring a cast of well-drawn characters (some of the decisions they make are questionable), I particularly liked Harriet, and would’ve liked to have read more about her and her quirky personality.

There are plenty of twists, turns and red herrings to navigate your way around and a satisfying, neat and tidy ending.

Looking forward to reading more from T.M. Logan.

Many thanks to the publisher for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,124 reviews

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