My debut novel ‘Prey’ was released at the end of September. It’s a scary feeling, putting your heart and soul onto the page and then letting it go. Sending it out into the world.
There is often criticism aimed at indie authors about quality control etc. It may be fair to some degree, but I also think there is something else. Rawness, passion and jagged edges that often get worn away in traditional publishing.
It reminds me of the excitement I’ve often felt when listening to a rock bands first album. There’s a wildness that is yet untamed. I always feel drawn to the wilder side of creativity, before it’s tidied up and trimmed.
So with that in mind, my debut novel may not be perfect, or rather, I know it’s not, but it is full of passion and rawness and a realness that has not yet been lost.
Here’s a roundup of some of the initial feedback:
Gripping 5 STARS
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 October 2025
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved the characters of the 4 girls, so typical of the kind of friendships we all have which kept it all so real. A fast read made all the more enjoyable by the descriptive landscape making it easy to visualise every chapter. Will definitely read more of her books
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read! 5 STARS
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 October 2025
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This was a great read! The story pulled me in right away, and the characters felt so relatable and familiar- it was easy to get invested in their journey. I will definitely be reading more from this author in future.
5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping read! 5 STARS
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 December 2025
Format: Paperback
Prey
Wow - loved it! My first ever reading of a crime fiction book - it is not a genre I would usually go for, but I listened to the author read a bit of it out at a book fair and it sounded ...interesting! I had also been in a reading slump for quite a while so thought I'd try something different. Well, It got me hooked from the first page! The clever way the multiple points of view were used kept me engaged in the story, wanting to know more. Finally, what an ending - a real unexpected twist. J.D.Currems please write more of this style of book - I am waiting for your next one - you have created a crime convert!
5.0 out of 5 stars You’ll never buy yellow roses again! 5 STARS
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 November 2025
Format: Paperback
Great read! What more could you ask for from a crime/thriller novel?
Multiple POVs inc. villain & detective ✅
Coastal location ✅
Nostalgic 90s setting ✅
Girls trip gone wrong ✅
Abduction & Stalking ✅
Page turner ✅
Surprise ending ✅
Lots of exploration in this story from the girl’s friendships, to Jasper’s history and the detective’s outlook on the situation. Suspense and tension definitely mounted in the final few chapters. Finished it at midnight and couldn’t have guessed what would happen in the end!
If this book was a Tinder profile - I’d swipe right! 😊
Looking forward to reading many more from JD Currums.