The Sacrificial Man (Cate Austin, Book 2) cover art

The Sacrificial Man (Cate Austin, Book 2)

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The Sacrificial Man (Cate Austin, Book 2)

By: Ruth Dugdall
Narrated by: Josie Charles, Isabella Inchbald
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About this listen

Don't miss this gripping thriller, perfect for fans of TM Logan & Lisa Jewell, from award-winning, Kindle #1 bestselling author Ruth Dugdall, as discussed on Radio 4’s ‘Woman’s Hour’ in 2025!

'Gripping, original, authentic' Erin Kelly

When Probation Officer Cate Austin is given her new assignment, she faces the highest-profile case of her career. Alice Mariani is charged with assisted suicide and Cate must recommend a sentence.

Alice insists her story is one of misinterpreted love, forcing those around her to analyse their own lives. Who is to decide what is normal and when does loyalty turn to obsession?

Investigating the loophole that lies between murder and euthanasia, Cate must now meet the woman who agreed to comply with her lover's final request.

Readers love The Sacrificial Man:

'Another dark and disturbing read in a brilliant series'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'There has always been something exceptional about the words written by Ruth Dugdall'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes thrillers with bizarre and unsuspecting twists'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

©2026 Ruth Dugdall
Crime Fiction Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction

Critic Reviews

Praise for Ruth Dugdall:

'Twisty, profound and completely convincing, it grips the reader by the heart. Unputdownable' Erin Kelly

‘Ruth Dugdall’s novels are intelligent and gripping, with a sophisticated psychological sensibility. She is a huge talent.’ Sophie Hannah

‘Authentic … diverting debut’ Daily Mail

'A chilling tale of betrayal and obsession…keeps its secrets well' Publishers Weekly

'Well plotted…The author understands how to build suspense and create atmosphere' Kirkus

'The menace is skillfully intensified by Dugdall… a twisting labyrinth of child-trafficking and police cover ups.' The Times

‘Timely and beautifully-written… Highly recommended.’ Mark Edwards

‘An absolute tour de force that left me thinking for days’ Alex Marwood

‘A chilling psychological thriller with a shocking twist. I read it one day and couldn’t put it down’ Louise Millar

'Dugdall’s background as a probation officer shines as she gets inside the heads of a range of characters, some quirky, some terrifying, all fascinating. In this chilling psychological thriller, she doesn’t so much prod the seedy underbelly of Europe as rips it wide open' Mike Craven

'An intelligent mystery, beautifully written, with an intriguing storyline. This one will keep you up to the wee small hours.' Jane Isaac

'Utterly chilling' Karen Maitland

'Ruth Dugdall has created a child killer who is no evil stereotype. She skillfully reveals his thoughts and his motives, pulling the reader into a story that spirals towards a shocking conclusion. One to make you think.' Julie Corbin

'Intelligent, thought-provoking and tense, Humber Boy B deals with an emotive subject sensitively whilst continually piling on the suspense. Once you start reading you won’t be able to stop until you reach the heart-stopping end' C.L Taylor

'A thought-provoking and tension-filled novel – with evocative characters and an ending that I didn’t expect' Mel Sherratt

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