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AJ Campbell
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The Wrong Key: A gripping psychological suspense thriller with a breathtaking ending Kindle Edition

by AJ Campbell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,372 ratings
THE LATEST NOVEL FROM AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR AJ CAMPBELL

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A brilliant thriller leaving you feeling a kaleidoscope of emotions!’ BOOK STAR REVIEWS

A mother's love. A daughter's life. A race against time.

London-based Steph Knight faces the challenge of a lifetime when she's sent to New York to cover for a colleague involved in a tragic car accident. Recently divorced, Steph sees it as an opportunity for a fresh start and to spend time with her teenage daughter, Ellie, a talented musician, before she leaves for university.

Soon after arriving, Steph crosses paths with Edward, a corporate lawyer, who introduces Ellie to Jack, a bioethics student enjoying his summer break. As both relationships intensify, Steph begins to uncover a web of corruption within her company that seemingly reaches right to the top. Feeling increasingly threatened, she has no idea who she can trust. Not even the men they’ve fallen for are beyond suspicion.

And then the unthinkable happens. Ellie disappears.

Steph receives a menacing text message. Ellie has been kidnapped.

The clock is ticking. Ellie’s life is in danger. And so is Steph’s.

Terrified, far from home, and with no one to trust, Steph must draw on her inner strength to save her daughter… even if it kills her.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The Wrong Key is so full of twists you won't know who to suspect!' AJ McDine, author of The Invite

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A twisted, suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat thriller!’ Kiersten Modglin, author of The Arrangement

A psychological suspense thriller, packed with twists and turns, perfect for readers of Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, Lisa Jewell, Frieda McFadden, Shari Lapena, Adele Parks, Miranda Rijks, Jackie Kabler, Lucy Foley, Sally Hepworth, and Daniel Hurst.

PRAISE FOR THE WRONG KEY

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this author or this book as I have not read any of her previous work… it seems I have been missing out. Right from the start this was exciting and drew me in quickly!’ BOOK MARK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Holy fudge, what a brilliant story this was! The way that Campbell managed to hold each character in a space of suspicion was fantastic and made a game of trying to work out who the bad guy was. The pace was fast, and the intensity was off the charts!’ ONCE UPON A TIME BOOK REVIEWS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I wondered throughout how the title was in any way connected to this book, and trust me, Campbell definitely delivered when you realise how… even the final chapter served a little unforeseen twist.’ BOOK STAR REVIEWS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Another 5 stars for AJ Campbell. Outstanding!’ JSY BOOKWORM VINE VOICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘The plot was impeccably paced, and the red herrings were carefully placed. I had nothing figured out! When I realized what the title meant, I couldn't get over how clever it was!’ CARRIES READS THEM ALL

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘A brilliant thriller leaving you feeling a kaleidoscope of emotions!’ BOOK STAR REVIEWS

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘The Wrong Key is a heart-pounding wild ride! You don’t know who to trust, where to turn or how it’s going to end.’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ’Read in a day!’ HONESTMAMREADER VINE VOICE

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘The scariest part of this book is that something like this could happen. The realism mixed with the storytelling will hold you hostage until your heart feels like it will jump out of your chest.’ KKEC READS

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘Mark of a good author if they can still keep you in the dark until that last page!’ ITSSANDRI
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Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    328 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 8, 2023
  4. File size
    2.9 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Previous page
  1. ‘Austin has his fingers in so many pies, he’ll soon need to start using his toes. I don’t like it. On the face of it, everything looks kosher. But I don’t like the way he operates. I need some reassurance.’ ‘Which is why you want someone out there as soon as.’ ‘You got it. I’ve been in this game long enough to know when I smell a rat that needs catching and slaughtering.’
    Highlighted by 6 Kindle readers
  2. She has spent all her time with Jack, and tonight, he is taking her to an outdoor movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
    Highlighted by 4 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another story that I raced through to find out what happens next.' @honestmamreader

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'One character I wanted to be good so badly, and that made me realise how involved I had become.' @melanies_reads73

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This is without a doubt a strong contender for best thriller of 2023!' @salboreads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This was the perfect, face-paced thriller I've read in a while.' @sarahs.bookstack

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'What I love about her books is that they are all substance and no fluff, making them fast, addictive unputdownable reads.' @webreakforbooks

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I had so many 'what the ?!' moments, which completely make this a thriller.' @mrsbookburnee

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Wowsers, another five stars for AJ Campbell.' @jsybookworm

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'There are so many twists in this one. It was completely impossible to predict where it was going.' @littlemissbooklover87

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The cleverly intricate plot made me constantly second guess.' BookStar Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'When I realized what the title meant, I couldn't get over how clever it was!' @carriereadsthem_all

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Mark of a good author if they can still keep you in the dark until that last page.' @itssandrini

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Another winner by Campbell that will leave you on the edge of your seat! @thriller_book _sisters

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'At times I felt like I was sitting in the front seat of a rollercoaster while reading it. I had highs and lows and felt all the feels throughout. I might have even shed a tear or two!' @erin_leigh reads

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'For my first read of 2023, I certainly picked a belter!' @neverenoughbooks79

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This was such a brilliant read. I couldn't put it down or turn the pages fast enough!' @chaptersofvicki

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This book has the perfect balance between character development and maintaining an exciting plot, which is a very tricky thing to get right!'@amandasbookcase

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I loved the way the title hints at an integral part of the story - in a way that proves to be really rather clever.' @brownflopsy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Campbell knows how to deliver an amazing psychological thriller that will keep you suspicious of everyone throughout the entire book.' @read_betweenthecovers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'AJ's books always have amazing twists, and there were a few here I didn't expect.' @Bryantparkbooks

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Such an addictive read'@thrillersandcoffee

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This twisty and suspenseful read will have you trusting no one, suspecting everyone and not knowing which way is up.'@thebookendreviews

About the Author

AJ CAMPBELL is an Amazon bestselling author of psychological suspense and promises stories full of twists, turns and torment. Her fourth book The Phone Call was released in July 2022 and topped the Amazon charts for several months. She released her fifth novel The Wrong Key in January 2023.
AJ draws inspiration for her stories from seemingly unbelievable situations in which ordinary people find themselves. She creates compelling characters that resonate with her readers. AJ lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. A dog lover, Netflix junkie, wine and Asian food enthusiast, either reading or writing, AJ enjoys nothing more than getting stuck into a twisty book!

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BRYRSYPY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Code Grey Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 8, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,372 ratings

About the author

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AJ Campbell

AJ Campbell

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AJ CAMPBELL is an Amazon USA top 40 bestselling author of ten psychological suspense thrillers, promising stories full of twists, turns and torment. She lives in the UK with her husband and sons.

Thank you for visiting my Amazon author page. Click the 'follow' button to hear about my new releases.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,372 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's plot engaging, with one review noting it's packed with twists and turns. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, and customers describe it as a fantastic read.

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9 customers mention "Plot twists"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the plot twists of the book, with one customer describing it as a thrilling ride from start to finish, and several noting that the ending was unexpected.

"I love mystery, thriller books. Especially when they take place in England and New York, two places I have lived in for many years...." Read more

"...It was a thrilling ride from start to finish, and I’m excited to dive into more of her books." Read more

"...Beginning to end was a page turner. I finished this book in 2 sittings. I had to stop to sleep...." Read more

"...You weren't sure who to trust. Very tense drama. Enjoyed reading." Read more

5 customers mention "Readability"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic read.

"...I definitely recommend reading this book." Read more

"This book was fantastic. AJ Campbell is a master of words and subterfuge. I don't wish to tell you anything about this book...." Read more

"...You weren't sure who to trust. Very tense drama. Enjoyed reading." Read more

"I loved the story; great pace and interesting plot. I enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down when I picked it up...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one describing the author as a master of words.

"This book was fantastic. AJ Campbell is a master of words and subterfuge. I don't wish to tell you anything about this book...." Read more

"...But is she and her daughter in danger? I definitely thought this was well written and it was a breath of fresh air to devour a unique thriller...." Read more

"Excellent writing. The ending was a surprise to me. It was hard to put down and held my attention. I enjoyed reading this." Read more

Agony and Uneasiness Plague Mother and Daughter
4 out of 5 stars
Agony and Uneasiness Plague Mother and Daughter
I am honored to a part of AJ Campbell’s Book Blitz team for her newest release! I appreciate the #gifted ecopy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily! 1. New Love 2. Slimy, Shady Businesspeople 3. Pull Back the Reins 4. A Mother’s Love 5. Tension-Filled Second Half 1. Steph and Ellie relocate to NYC for about a month for Steph’s job. In almost the blink of an eye, they are both falling in love with seemingly amazing men! 2. The Wrong Key is jam-packed with shady and slimy businesspeople. I felt like everyone was guilty. I’m a reader who is always trying to figure out the mystery, and this one kept me guessing! 3. I did feel like the way Steph and Ellie fell for Edward and Jack was a bit rushed. And Steph just tells Edward everything about her “secret” assignment at work. I kept thinking that she should maybe not trust him so completely yet! 4. Steph’s love for Ellie is ever-present through this story. As a mother, I completely relate to all of it. When Ellie disappears, I felt distraught right alongside Steph. I think any mother would fight to the death for her children! 5. Part 2….almost had an anxiety attack. Ellie’s nightmare begins in a tolerable manner; however, as time progresses for her and for Steph, the uneasiness and agony overrides all other emotions until the culmination of events. And that last chapter - talk about intriguing. I absolutely love the clever mystery interwoven into those few pages!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • anon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I love mystery, thriller books. Especially when they take place in England and New York, two places I have lived in for many years.
    The bad guys were not whom I expected, and the kidnapping at the end had me very concerned.
    I definitely recommend reading this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • paula calhoun
    4.0 out of 5 stars Don’t start this book unless you have time to finish
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I picked this book up before bed, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished—it’s almost 2 AM now! This story is packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing at every step. I thought I had each character figured out, only to be thrown off by the subtle hints the author cleverly weaves into the plot. It was a thrilling ride from start to finish, and I’m excited to dive into more of her books.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Llou81
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Wow
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book was fantastic. AJ Campbell is a master of words and subterfuge. I don't wish to tell you anything about this book. Only that you should do yourself a favor and grab this book. Beginning to end was a page turner. I finished this book in 2 sittings. I had to stop to sleep. When I woke up my Kindle and glasses were on the bed beside me. Waiting to grab it back up and finish the book. Even before I brushed my teeth. AJ, I'm off to get your next book!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This story started out slow but once it got going the excitement and mystery had me hooked. You weren't sure who to trust. Very tense drama. Enjoyed reading.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nikki L
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique plot and good
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was a completely different storyline. I enjoyed it. Steph and her daughter Ellie arrive in New York due to a work assignment Stephanie has. Stephanie is an auditor for a trading company. When she gets there, things are beginning to look fishy. Something sinister is going on with her company and she's go ing to get to the bottom of it. But is she and her daughter in danger? I definitely thought this was well written and it was a breath of fresh air to devour a unique thriller. I highly recommend if you're interested in something different.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Karen Henning
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Wrong Key
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    AJ Campbell's books never fail to keep me turning the pages. Her books are always filled with plot twists. You can't go wrong reading what she writes. She's definitely one of my favorite authors. Thank you AJ for always keeping me on the edge of my seat!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Monica Walls
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I loved the story; great pace and interesting plot. I enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down when I picked it up. Right when I thought I knew where it was headed, it took a twist. Excellent!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Linzie K.
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a game changer !
    Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Stephen is an auditor who works for a company in London. She has a very musically talented daughter of 17. She is sent by her boss to New York City to investigate possible corruption involving one particular account and also a trader who seems to be making phenomenal deals. Steph takes her daughter along and they begin to meet some very nice people. Steph has her doubts about the fund and the man but can't find anything wrong. All hell breaks loose and people start dying, disappearing. However, while there the gals both meet great men to add to the plot. You'll never believe what happens to them in the big Apple. Read it and find a good plot, lots of action and a great ending@
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • sally riordan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Deadset, an absolute ripper of a read!
    Reviewed in Australia on January 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Yet another beauty from AJ Campbell. The Wrong Key will tantalise you from the very beginning with an expertly crafted plot that cleverly sweeps you off your feet and takes you on a nail biting journey whilst you ride right alongside the masterfully created characters right until the very last page. Deadset, an absolute ripper of a read! 5 ⭐️ Highly recommend.
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  • Liz T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book that you will read well into the night!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The Wrong Key is the author’s fifth book and is another 5* thriller from AJ Campbell.
    The main characters Steph and her 17 year old daughter, Ellie are so excited to have the opportunity to stay in New York for the Summer as Ellie awaits her A level results. Steph’s counterpart in the New York office, Melissa, has been involved in a car accident and Steph’s brief as part of Audit and Compliance is to do some digging as it appears that dealings recently made by Austin Cunningham in the New York office may not be all they seem.
    Steph needs a change of scene and one to one time with Ellie after going through a messy divorce and Ellie has just been dumped by her first serious boyfriend. Both of them anticipate a few weeks of sight seeing and shopping but get much more than they bargain for when Steph meets Edward in the apartment block where they live and Ellie is introduced to Jack who is a part time bartender. Both are due some romance and are swept off their feet by Edward and Jack.
    The scene is set and there follows an intriguing tale of Steph’s secret investigations as to what may be happening in the company. When Melissa takes flight after a visit from Steph and another employee Rhonda seems unwilling to talk, Steph’s world starts to spin and when Ellie disappears it’s clear that someone definitely has something to hide.
    The Wrong key introduces a plethora of characters as Steph meets a number of co workers and their families. As the story gains pace I was on the edge of my seat willing Steph to solve the puzzle as her world implodes and she has no idea who she can trust in the search for Ellie. This is a book that you will read well into the night as you won’t be able to put it down! Such a clever title and definitely one of AJ Campbell’s best so far.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars High levels of suspension
    Reviewed in Canada on March 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book.was awesome. Very intriguing and has lots of suspense. You think you have it figured out and then it turns in another direction. you can't out it down. It really noodle up half way through.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner,always
    Reviewed in Canada on May 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Nice curveball,baby Edward.....
    Moving to a different continent was a nice touch.
    Trust no one, the piano playing daughter kept it interesting.
    Report
  • Book lover
    4.0 out of 5 stars A contender for best thriller of 2023!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I don’t stay up late to read .. my dog wakes me so early in the morning I won’t give up any sleep at the other end .. but then I started reading The Wrong Key and I couldn’t stop…

    Steph Is an auditor. She’s pretty sharp, ambitious and she snaps up the opportunity to head to New York and cover for her counterpart, Melissa, who has been injured in a car accident. She and her beloved daughter Ellie, a talented musician, settle quickly into their gorgeous apartment. Ellie meets Jack and Steph meets Edward - a corporate lawyer. Within a few weeks both are falling in love. There’s some suspect trading going on and Steph is asked to investigate, but when she visits Melissa, she is told that it wasn’t an accident…and then Ellie goes missing.

    You know that feeling when you get onto an escalator and it moves so quickly it almost unbalances you .. the start of this story sped up so quickly it took my breath away. I was right in there from page 1 and that pace did not give up until the end. I knew I was going to love this right from the start.
    I loved this for so many reasons. The setting was captivating - who doesn’t love New York - such a visual delight. I loved the relationship between Steph and Ellie with its push and pull; its tensions and stresses underpinned by an incredible bond of love. And this part of the story made me really emotional as Ellie’s life is threatened and Steph does everything to save her..Both characters are so well drawn and the inclusion of Ellie’s playlist at the back of the book really adds to the depth of character.
    And most of all I loved this because it felt so realistic, so visual. It was like watching a film. I was so bound up in this, it was like being in Steph’s head. I was literally asking myself who the heck I could trust!! And there is a moment in the book when I was so surprised by the plot twist that my jaw dropped to my ankles.

    If you like twisty, compelling thrillers then you really need to read AJ Campbell. This is without doubt a contender for best thriller of 2023!
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