2026 ARC Reviews

Spoiler-free early reviews of the most anticipated upcoming releases.

Cover for Play Your Cards Right
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Play Your Cards Right

Heather S. Chauvin

Mystery, Thriller • Jun 8, 2026 • Anthology: In The Cards

What starts as an idyllic weekend escape shatters when a member of the friend group is found dead. As Demi investigates, a chilling truth emerges: this wasn't a tragic crime of passion—it was a meticulously orchestrated execution.

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2.5 / 5

This short story left me feeling underwhelmed. For a genre that relies on suspense, it unfortunately falls flat and didn't feel like a thriller. Overall, I found the plot to be boring and lacking the tension I look for in a good suspense read.
The most frustrating part of the story was the setup. Chauvin introduces a really interesting and unique family dynamic right off the bat, which gave the story a lot of potential. However, that dynamic doesn't end up mattering to the plot at all. The exact same events could have easily unfolded with any random group of friends or distant relatives, making the specific family ties feel like a completely wasted opportunity. It’s a quick read, but it misses the mark on delivering a gripping experience.

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What is an ARC?

An ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) is a pre-publication version of a book provided by publishers so reviewers can share early feedback. Our spoiler-free reviews help you decide which upcoming titles to add to your pre-order list!

Advance copies reviewed on SpoilThePlot are securely sourced through industry partners, including NetGalley and Inside Story.