‘The Nothing Month’ by Cat Miller.

Published by Canelo Crime,
4 September 2025. 
ISBN: 978-1-83598-126-9 (PB)

Zara, who is 17, leaves home to take part in a challenge sweeping the nation – no technology for one month.  In the wake of COVID the idea has taken off and people are going further and opting for an in-person, off-grid, experience, rather than just staying at home.  A variety of accommodation is on offer, but nothing fancy.

Sally, Zara’s mum, goes with her to say goodbye.  The minibus arrives and Sally, though she is suddenly aware of how little she knows about the general arrangement, waves goodbye, leaving Zara to get to know her fellow travellers.  After a little while the minibus comes to a sudden halt and, suddenly, the atmosphere changes.  The driver takes charge and issues some unwelcome instructions; the seriousness of the situation is made clear when he murders one of the other passengers who objects.

The action moves to a campsite in the New Forest, where the group have been booked to stay for the ‘Nothing Month’.  The local police are investigating the discovery of a body and news of this is broadcast on the radio, including the first names of the people booked to stay at the camp site.  Sally, enjoying her first day of leisure, is having a relaxing day at a spa when she hears the news.  She immediately returns home knowing that she must find out more.  And so her search begins…..

The story uses some interesting ideas - a possible reaction to the uncertainties of Covid and a spin on the number of months with a theme to capture the public imagination.  The search, hindered by the usual access to mobile phones, is vividly described and the sense of fear and tension stretches though the novel.
-------
Reviewer: Jo Hesslewood

Cat Miller is the evil twin sister of Catherine Miller. Although strictly speaking they're the same person. Cat is a mum to twins and since they were born, she's dedicated her life to writing. The Nothing Month will be her thirteenth published novel and her debut in the thriller world.

Jo Hesslewood.  Crime fiction has been my favourite reading material since as a teenager I first spotted Agatha Christie on the library bookshelves.  For twenty-five years the commute to and from London provided plenty of reading time.  I am fortunate to live in Cambridge, where my local crime fiction book club, Crimecrackers, meets at Heffers Bookshop .  I enjoy attending crime fiction events and currently organise events for the Margery Allingham Society.