heater43's Reviews (1.19k)

“I Did Warn Her” by Sian Gilbert is a slick, unsettling, and utterly bingeable thriller that had me hooked from the first page. What starts off as a glamorous getaway quickly spirals into something darker and more dangerous, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

This story cleverly plays with the idea of toxic friendships, ambition, and secrets kept just under the surface—until they explode. The structure alternates timelines and perspectives in a way that’s addictive without being confusing, and each new revelation lands with a sharp, satisfying twist. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Sian Gilbert pulled the rug out from under me again.

The atmosphere was particularly well done—claustrophobic, luxurious, and ominous. It captured that perfect blend of sun-soaked beauty and undercurrents of menace, making it impossible to relax, even during the “fun” moments. And the social commentary? Spot on. There’s a lot being said here about privilege, power, and performative behavior, all wrapped in a fast-paced thriller.

The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars is that I wanted just a bit more from the ending—it landed well but left a few things slightly open-ended for my taste. Still, it’s a strong, smart, and satisfying read overall.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this early. I’ll definitely be recommending this one to fans of Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, or anyone who loves a sun-drenched thriller with bite.

How to Survive Your Murder” by Danielle Valentine is a fast-paced YA thriller with a clever concept and a slasher-movie vibe. The premise—time travel mixed with solving your own murder—is compelling and unique, and I appreciated the atmospheric setting that felt like a nod to classic horror films.

There are moments of real tension and sharp writing, especially in the first half, which had me fully invested. Alice, the main character, is flawed but relatable, and her emotional connection with her sister gave the story some heart.

However, not all of it landed for me. The second half felt a bit disjointed, and some of the twists were a little hard to buy into. There were pacing issues, and I occasionally struggled to stay connected to the plot. It felt like it lost some of its momentum as it leaned more into chaos than clarity.

Still, it’s a fun, spooky ride with a creative twist on the genre. I’d recommend it to fans of YA horror or anyone in the mood for a popcorn-style thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams.

This book pulled me in right away with its dark, moody setting and a slow-burning mystery that kept unraveling in chilling little pieces. The lakefront house, with its eerie stillness and haunting atmosphere, became almost a character itself—perfectly atmospheric for fans of suspense set in secluded, isolated locations.

The protagonist is complex and flawed, someone who has experienced deep trauma and is trying to piece her life back together. Williams does a wonderful job of blending psychological tension with emotional depth. While some reveals felt predictable, I appreciated how the story explored generational trauma and secrets without rushing the suspense. The pacing ebbed and flowed, keeping me on edge during key moments while also giving space for the emotional aspects to breathe.

I especially loved the way Shanora Williams layered the past and present—it gave the story a dreamy, unsettling tone, where you’re never quite sure what’s real and what’s hidden. The twists, while not completely shocking, still landed with emotional weight. And that final act? Satisfying and a bit heartbreaking.

If you love a gripping psychological thriller with eerie vibes, complex women, and secrets that refuse to stay buried, Whispers of the Lake is worth diving into.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

The Missing Half was a gripping and emotional story about secrets, identity, and the way the past never stays buried. I was immediately pulled in by the atmosphere and the layered characters—especially the protagonist’s quiet strength and resilience. The tension builds beautifully, and just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist unraveled. It’s both a mystery and a deeply human story about connection, memory, and what we choose to forget. The writing was haunting and immersive. I only docked half a star because I wanted just a little more closure—but honestly, this one stuck with me.

The Staircase in the Woods was eerie, immersive, and totally addictive. From the very first chapter, it gave me The Rules of Vanishing vibes—with that same creeping dread and disorienting sense that reality is bending just out of reach. The pacing was perfect, balancing atmospheric mystery with genuine scares. I loved how the forest almost felt like a character itself—wild, unpredictable, and hiding secrets. The ending stuck with me and left me feeling unsettled in the best way. If you love psychological horror with supernatural twists, this is a must-read. 4.5 stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book had me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down. The raw emotion, the psychological tension, and the way Chevy Stevens wove this story together—it was masterful. The main character’s voice felt so real, so intimate, it was like I was living through every terrifying and heartbreaking moment right alongside her.

And that ending? I did not see it coming. I was absolutely shocked—in the best way. It gave the story this whole new layer of depth and darkness that left me reeling. If you’re into twisty, emotionally intense thrillers with strong female leads, Still Missing is a must-read.