Author:Lucia Haynes,Eileen Horne,Anita Vettesse,Full Cast,Lolita Chakrabarti,Shauna MacDonald,Robin Laing,Jessica Hardwick
“They charged you with murder David. Why is that?... David? Why do the police think you murdered your son?”
Jamie was 19. He was an ambitious personal trainer who wanted to be a social media influencer. But now his hopes and dreams will never be realised. Jamie was found killed at the family home, discovered by his dad – who’s now been charged with his own son’s murder.
In this gripping crime drama, revealed through recordings of sessions led by forensic psychiatrist Dr Alex Bridges (Lolita Chakrabarti), we hear from those closest to Jamie and find out more about the family’s secrets.
David, a photographer, describes a picture-perfect life, his “beautiful” son and a happy home. But is he hiding something?
Will the truth about Jamie’s murder finally be revealed?
Also featuring bonus content from real-life forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead, who was series consultant for This Thing of Darkness. Her appearance on BBC show The Life Scientific is presented as part of this audio release, where she reveals how she treats the minds of real-life violent offenders.
Cast
Alex … Lolita Chakrabarti
David … Robin Laing
Laura… Shauna Macdonald
Hannah … Jessica Hardwick
Liam/Dougie … Simon Donaldson
Kyle/Tyler … Reuben Joseph
Frankie … Brian Vernel
Karen … Victoria Liddelle
Series created by Audrey Gillan, Lucia Haynes, Eileen Horne, Gaynor Macfarlane, Anita Vettesse and Kirsty Williams.
Series consultant: Dr Gwen Adshead
Written by Lucia Haynes (episodes 1, 2 and 4) and Anita Vettesse (episodes 3, 5, 6 and 7), with monologues by Eileen Horne
Produced by Gaynor Macfarlane and Kirsty Williams
A BBC Scotland Production directed by Gaynor Macfarlane
Marrs ensures you suspend your disbelief sufficiently to inveigle you within the lives of the Minders - and then you'll be hooked.
—— SciFi BulletinGripping! It's so incredibly intense; a twisted roller coaster so fast-paced you literally cannot move or attempt to do anything else. John Marrs has a unique formula and it's magnificent. This storyline of shocks, thrills and intensity. It's not only fascinating but overwhelmingly frightening too.
—— Baker's Not So Secret BlogA hit the road running story that turns into a marathon that never stops. The story-line is superb, the likelihood possible and the outcome so believable. I was like a rabbit in headlights, mesmerized by what was in front of me but totally thrown by what was behind it all.
—— Books from Dusk Til DawnThis being a John Marrs story, there is a sting in the tale, a twisted complex and multi-layered back story which is woven throughout the book. You wonder where and how it ties in with everything else - an experiment gone wrong perhaps - and as the story plays out the tension, and the speed of the action, begins to increase. This was a book that had me from the start and kept my attention right to the last page. Tense, exciting, with brilliant characters and a very though provoking and intriguing plot, I loved this. Definitely recommended. This has Netflix special written all over it.
—— Jen Med's Book ReviewsIf you are a fan of conspiracy theories and love a bit of science-fiction then you will thoroughly enjoy The Minders. Full of twists, turns, oohs and aahs, this book kept me gripped from the opening chapter to the final paragraph and I also admit to getting a bit teary in places.
—— Compulsive ReadersA totally believable futuristic element weaved throughout the book and given the current climate it seemed even more believable. I really enjoyed this book! I loved getting to know the five minders and how they worked/functioned, but I also liked how John brought to life certain conspiracy theories, how items that were made real life in the book. I urge you to go and pick up. You will not be disappointed!
—— Fuel the BlogFast paced and exciting, The Minders is a story that grips you from page one and doesn't let go until the very final word. It was twisty, violent, dark and utterly unique, it's a story that surprised me and left me stunned. It's definitely a book I will be recommending and one I would love to see on screen one day too.
—— It's All About the BooksAn addictive cyber crime thriller that is audacious and brilliant in its concept. Slick, fast paced the book is a rush from page one to the very unexpected ending. A compulsive read from an author whose previous work has also been daring and enjoyably well plotted. If you haven't read any by this author I recommend you do he never fails to deliver a mind blowing read.
—— Books Behind the TitleJohn Marrs is one of the most interesting authors I have come across in a long time. Each of his novels is a standalone with a story that has kept me hooked.
—— A Crime Reader's BlogFor me this was a read that verged from speculative into dystopian and yet was firmly grounded in the here and now. I loved the entire concept. Marrs gives readers their pound of flesh and plenty of food for thought. I really enjoyed the way the author wanders into these futuristic ideas that are absolutely viable given the right conditions.
—— Cheryl MM's Book BlogWell, The Minders has "ADAPT ME FOR NETFLIX" written all over it! This is a compelling thriller. I was intrigued by the plot outline but after reading it, I can't believe how cleverly he brought his future world to life. A dark, gripping and unpredictable storyline that sits on your chest, slowing crushing you with the weight of its oppressive moral tale and shocking outcomes. I couldn't put it down!
—— My Chestnut Reading TreeThis author is adept at creating scary scenarios that have the edge of possibility of coming true in the not-so-distant future [...] Tense stuff!
—— Peterborough Evening TelegraphAt its core, this tense page-turner is a deeply original love story, and its characters are so warm and real that they stole my heart. I was absolutely gripped by Lauren, Aidan and Zara's story - rarely have I read a novel so fast.
—— Beth O'LearyTense and brilliant. If anyone's found expired with a copy of it lying next to them, it'll be because they flat-out forgot to breathe. This is her best book yet
—— Jill MansellMy goodness, it's brilliant. The ending blew me away! A superb, tense and thrilling ride. I admit I stayed up far too late to finish it, but it was so worth it
—— Melanie GoldingIf you read one book this year, make it this one
—— Adam CroftI read How to Disappear with my heart in my mouth. Beautiful, layered, suffocating, with an impossible love story at its heart.
—— Lia LouisAnother brilliant psychological thriller from Gillian McAllister
—— Hello!Utterly compelling, addictive and gripping; the best psychological thriller I've read this year
—— Lucy ClarkeI was blown away. Being forced to consider the reality of life under witness protection, of family members having to make impossible, brutal choices, was heartbreaking. I think it will resonate with many people. It's an outstanding and utterly gripping novel that deserves to be a bestseller
—— Emma CurtisA highly original novel about witness protection that is tense and compelling with a great ending. Her best yet!
—— Mark EdwardsIntense, utterly believable and at times shocking, it will make you see the world - even one in confinement - through new eyes
—— WI LifeThis book explores just how brutal witness protection can be, and the choices people involved must make
—— Woman's OwnThis intricately plotted drama is a masterclass in taut, twisty but beautiful writing
—— FabulousA rollercoaster that will leave you gasping and turning the pages for more
—— Refinery29The author's best book yet
—— PrimaIncluded in 'The Hottest Summer Reads'
—— CosmopolitanIncluded in 'Book Club'
—— Woman's WeeklyPraise for Gillian McAllister
—— -I read it in a breathless day and a half. I loved every page
—— Lisa JewellAs tense as a piano string
—— Sunday TimesAn exceptional debut
—— Clare MackintoshAn exceptional thriller with a thumping, emotional heart
—— HeatAddictive, clever, twisty
—— SunI loved this gripping and thought-provoking read
—— B. A. ParisIngeniously constructed, with real flesh-and-blood characters and cliff-hanging suspense
—— Louise CandlishTense, compelling, with a clever grand reveal
—— Daily MailOne of the best courtroom dramas I've ever read
—— Cara HunterKept me glued to every page
—— Good HousekeepingGripping, cleverly-constructed, and heart-wrenching. Truly original
—— Paula DalyIntelligent. Compulsive. Heart-wrenching. Unforgettable
—— Jane CorryBrilliantly written
—— Fiona BartonA thrilling mystery with a strong emotional heart
—— Woman & HomeMcAllister ratchets up the tension to excellent effect in this addictive page-turner
—— Connaught TelegraphExquisite and evocative - and the pace and suspense are handled expertly
—— Sarah Vaughan , bestselling author of Anatomy of a ScandalOne of the most enthralling novelists of the moment. This is the most beautiful book you will read this year
—— Lisa Jewell , bestselling author of Watching YouEve Chase is a name to watch
—— Daily MailAddictive and delivers atmosphere in spades
—— Good HousekeepingAn enticing, chilling plot, captivating characters and prose beautiful enough to totally lose yourself in
—— HeatA mystery of nail-biting suspense
—— Woman & HomeAbsorbed me completely. Fabulous
—— Jane Fallon , bestselling author of Tell Me a SecretAn engrossing story of fractured families, secrets, lies and misunderstandings
—— Sunday ExpressMagical
—— Daily ExpressExpertly crafted, dark, beautiful and utterly enthralling
—— Rowan Coleman , bestselling author of The Summer of Impossible ThingsBeautifully written with a gripping plot, I couldn't stop reading this
—— Katie Fforde , bestselling author of A Rose Petal Summer