Until It's Over Nicci French, £16.99 Astrid Bell is a London cycle courier who shares a large house with seven other people - ex-boyfriend Miles; university pal Pippa; Owen, a photographer; loner Mick; Dario, a dodgy builder; and newest member of the household Davy, a real carpenter and builder.

In the space of one day Astrid's life is changed forever.

She is accidentally knocked off her bike by her neighbour Peggy Farrell, who is found bludgeoned to death in an alley the next day and Miles, who also owns the house, says he wants them all to move out.

A few days later Astrid is asked to pick up a package from a wealthy client called Ingrid de Soto and discovers her murdered in the hall of her home.

The police find it more than a coincidence and when she delivers a third package and discovers another woman dead - someone she also knows - the bitter accusations begin.

This is the ninth novel from the husband and wife writing team Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, and it's as page-turning and thrilling as their previous books.

It's divided into two parts; Astrid's view and the killer's version of events, which makes a very interesting way of viewing the story.

The only niggle I had was with the brief intense relationship Astrid had with one of her housemates, someone she had described as not even liking much. I felt it was rather unrealistic.

Nevertheless, that didn't stop me from staying in all weekend, eagerly reading the book from cover to cover and then re-reading it again a few day later!

Once again, the authors' talent for psychological portraiture and suspense, great pace and talent for knowing what their readers want will ensure this gripping read will be another blockbuster.

LAURA WURZAL